Crackers and Grape Juice

In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, we're joined by author and historian Amy Mantravadi to talk about her new novel, Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation. Amy shares the inspiration behind her richly detailed historical fiction, how the tumult and theology of the Reformation continue to echo in our modern world, and why fiction can be a powerful medium for engaging the past.We also dive into her love for church history, and the unique path that led her from political science and international security to writing novels in Dayton, Ohio. Whether you're a Reformation nerd, a fiction fan, or just here for the witty banter, this one's for you.Check out Amy's writing at amymantravadi.substack.com/  and learn more about Broken Bonds wherever books are sold.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

In this special episode of Crackers & Grape Juice, Teer Hardy and Jason Micheli sit down with Bishop Will Willimon and Rev. Tony Robinson to celebrate the life, legacy, and theological firepower of The Rev. Fleming Rutledge. Together, they explore the depth and breadth of Rutledge's influence on contemporary preaching and theological discourse.From her theocentric preaching style to her razor-sharp use of language, Rutledge's sermons never flinch from the hard truths—sin, salvation, resurrection, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. The conversation traverses her Southern roots, her unapologetic embrace of proclamation over persuasion, and the way her preaching cuts through the noise of modern, therapeutic homiletics.With a mix of personal stories, sharp wit, and deep reverence, Jason, Teer, Will, and Tony reflect on what makes Rutledge's work so urgently necessary for the church today—and what it means to preach like it matters. Tune in for a spirited theological tribute to one of the great voices of our time.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Caleb Campbell joins the pod to discuss his experiences engaging with Christian Nationalists and the impact of this movement on his congregation and the broader Church. In his book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, Caleb emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach to address the issue, highlighting the importance of connecting with individuals on a personal level and focusing on shared values. For Caleb, Christian Nationalism is not a problem for the church in the United States to solve, but rather is a mission field.Links and Resources:https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathanhttps://substack.com/@disarmingleviathanhttps://www.disarmingleviathan.com/Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

David Zahl joins the pod to talk about his new book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World. In The Big Relief, DZ spotlights grace as the most important, urgent, and radical contribution Christianity has to offer the world. DZ helps readers understand the beauty and depth of grace, outlining how it provides relief from the guilt, status anxiety, and accelerating demand that characterize so much of modern life. Drawing on the witness of Scripture and a range of contemporary examples, he unpacks the theology of grace in fresh and exciting terms, exploring its many fruits — such as freedom, play, surrender, humility, rest, surprise, and joy — in the process.DZ invites us to embrace Christianity as a refuge rather than as a project, a beacon of hope instead of a vehicle of shame, and a harbor of refreshment in a worn-out world. Ultimately, he welcomes everyone to receive the gift of relief we so desperately need.Links:Mockingbird MinistriesBaker PublishingFind Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

In this conversation, David Moffitt discusses his insights on the Epistle to the Hebrews, emphasizing the significance of resurrection, sacrifice, and atonement in understanding Jesus' role as high priest. He explores the implications of these themes for contemporary theology, particularly in relation to the Passover and the nature of intercession. Moffitt also reflects on the influence of early church fathers and the narrative of liberation in Hebrews, providing a comprehensive view of how these elements interconnect in the Christian faith.TakeawaysDavid Moffitt emphasizes the importance of understanding the resurrection in the context of the Epistle to the Hebrews.The traditional views of sacrifice in preaching may not align with the biblical text.Moffitt's research highlights the significance of the ascension in understanding Jesus' role as high priest.The concept of 'It Is Finished' requires deeper theological exploration beyond the crucifixion.Atonement is not solely about Jesus' death but involves his ongoing intercession for humanity.The Passover narrative is crucial for understanding liberation from sin and death.Moffitt argues that the scapegoat imagery in Leviticus informs our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice.The early church fathers provide valuable insights into the interpretation of sacrifice and atonement.Hebrews presents a narrative of liberation that parallels Israel's journey from Egypt.Moffitt's work encourages a reevaluation of assumptions in contemporary biblical studies.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, Teer checks in with Jason and Todd to reflect on their recent pilgrimage to Turkey (Asia Minor) with Brian Zahnd. They discuss the reasons for the pilgrimage, the historical and theological significance of Asia Minor as the birthplace of Christianity, and how these experiences deepened their faith. The conversation explores the rich history of early Christian sites, the importance of understanding the origins of Christian creeds, and the differences between Eastern and Western Christian traditions. They also share personal insights and observations, such as the absence of crucifixion imagery in Orthodox churches and the challenging terrain early Christians had to navigate. The discussion underscores the value of pilgrimages in connecting modern believers with the broader, ancient Christian community and the complexities of balancing religious and secular life.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

After an extended hiatus, Crackers and Grape Juice is back.In this episode, Jason and Teer speak with Jordan Daniel Wood about his journey into the Christian tradition, particularly through the works of Maximus. They explore the implications of the incarnation, the nature of creation, and the goodness of God in relation to evil. The discussion also touches on the importance of time, perfection, and the legacy of the Church Fathers, as well as the challenges of teaching theology in a modern context.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Emily Hunter McGowin joins the pod to talk about her book, Christmas: The Season of Life and Light.In this episode, Teer and Emily dive into the rich theological and biblical roots of the Christmas season, reflecting on the themes of God's initiative and intervention in human life. They explore the interplay of darkness and light, the call to repentance and preparation, and the enduring significance of Advent and the 12 days of Christmas. Be sure to listen through the end of the episode for a special ending where Teer switches out the 10 questions for a more festive ending. Be sure to check out Emily's forthcoming book, Households of FaithPracticing Family in the Kingdom of God.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

We talked with Adam Morton recently about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the culture war over the new biopic film, and how to think critically and charitably about figures of history. A friend from Mockingbird Ministries, Adam is the Teaching Associate in Christian Theology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.Adam's thoughts on the Bonhoeffer film which prompted our conversation:Too many people write, speak, opine about the guy (now me included). There are too many bad reasons to take him up (needing to find a 'good German' in the disaster of the Third Reich, wanting martyr fairy dust for one's arguments, finding his still developing theology easy to cherry-pick for a range of positions) that easily overwhelm the good ones. Yes, he's intellectually interesting. That's not why you know his name.Consider what would have happened if he'd survived the war - he likely becomes a significant figure in postwar German theology, as subject to suspicion as the rest of them. Aside from those of you who are actually into 20th century German theology in a big way, you'd never have heard of him.All that makes me think that the overwhelming bulk of the power of Bonhoeffer as a name is not in his theology or in what little resistance he mustered, but in our psychological and spiritual need to confirm that if we ourselves were ever put in an untenable situation like that, we could come out virtuous and heroic. I guess I find that sort of self-soothing dangerous rather than inspiring. Well, it is inspiring, in a way - but not in a way that I'm confident comes from God.All that is to take nothing away from the man, and what his life and work were. (It's also no shot at the people who've done good work on him.) But if it were up to me we'd impose a 25 year moratorium on the Bonhoeffer Industry, including its academic side, and once that's run its course we could check and see where we're at with the guy and what role we actually need him to play in our theological universes.Show NotesSummary:The conversation delves into the complexities of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology and legacy, particularly in light of recent cultural interpretations and the release of a new film about him. The speakers discuss Bonhoeffer's historical context, his theological development, and the implications of his martyrdom. They also explore how Bonhoeffer is often misinterpreted or oversimplified in modern discussions, especially in relation to contemporary culture wars. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of historical figures, particularly Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and how their legacies are interpreted and utilized within the church. They discuss the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of these figures, the challenges of navigating cultural differences, and the nuances of patriotism in a global context. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful engagement with history and theology, encouraging listeners to approach these topics with care and depth.Takeaways:Bonhoeffer's legacy is often oversimplified in modern discourse.Understanding Bonhoeffer requires a deep dive into German Lutheranism.His martyrdom leaves us with an incomplete theological picture.Cultural context is crucial for interpreting Bonhoeffer's actions.Bonhoeffer's resistance was complex and morally ambiguous.The use of Bonhoeffer in culture wars can distort his message.His writings reflect a developing theology that was cut short.Bonhoeffer's context was vastly different from American evangelicalism.The film about Bonhoeffer raises questions about historical accuracy.Engagement with Bonhoeffer's work should be nuanced and critical. No historical figure is pristine; they are complex and multifaceted.Bonhoeffer's legacy belongs to the church, not just his family.It's important to speak truthfully about historical figures without idealizing them.Understanding Bonhoeffer requires knowledge of his time and context.Cultural differences can shape our perceptions and experiences.Clergy should avoid censorship and engage thoughtfully with culture.Getting to know historical figures is a slow and nuanced process.Patriotism can be complicated, especially in post-war contexts.The church must be the ultimate arbiter of theological interpretations.Engagement with history requires time and careful consideration.

Friend of the podcast, Jennifer Powell McNutt, joined us recently to talk about her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church TodayJennifer Powell McNutt (PhD, The University of St. Andrews) is the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies and professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College. She is an award-winning author, a fellow in the Royal Historical Society, and an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian tradition. McNutt serves as a parish associate at her church and regularly speaks at universities, seminaries, and churches across the country. She and her husband cofounded McNuttshell Ministries, which serves as a bridge between the academy and the church, and live with their three children in Winfield, Illinois.About the book:Mary Magdalene's life was transformed when she was healed by Christ and joined his ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem. The Gospels teach that she was also a witness at the cross and the first one sent by Christ to preach his resurrection. Yet her story is often confused, scandalized, and undervalued by the church.In The Mary We Forgot, award-winning church historian and theologian Jennifer Powell McNutt unpacks Scripture and history to reveal the real Mary Magdalene: the first apostle of the good news and a model of discipleship for both men and women today.McNutt also invites readers along on her journey through southern France, tracing the path remembered by some church traditions as where Mary Magdalene spread the gospel. Christians will learn from the disciple known as the "apostle to the apostles" how to embrace Jesus's calling to "go and tell" with faith and courage. They'll also be encouraged by the reminder that God calls ordinary, imperfect, and unexpected people to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The hope of remembering Mary Magdalene is ultimately to better know the one to whom she pointed, the risen Christ.Show NotesSummary:In this conversation, Jennifer Powell McNutt discusses her work on Mary Magdalene, exploring her significance in theology and church history. She highlights the misrepresentation of Mary throughout history, her role as an apostle, and the importance of recognizing women's contributions in the church. The discussion also delves into the nature of scripture, the complexities of biblical narratives, and the need for a more inclusive understanding of women's roles in ministry.TakeawaysMary Magdalene is a significant figure in all four gospels.The historical portrayal of Mary Magdalene has often conflated her with other women.Women reformers used Mary Magdalene to validate their ministry.The church has historically silenced women's voices.Mary Magdalene's role as an apostle is affirmed in both Eastern and Western traditions.The nature of scripture requires understanding its oral traditions and historical context.Mary Magdalene's story is often overshadowed by other biblical narratives.The Revised Common Lectionary often excludes important women from scripture.Encouraging young women to take on leadership roles is crucial for the church's future.Understanding the complexities of biblical characters can enrich our faith.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Andrew Rillera joined the pod to discuss his new book, Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus's DeathFrom the publisher (Wipf & Stock):Lamb of the Free analyzes the different sacrificial imagery applied to Jesus in the NT in light of the facts that (a) there is no such thing as substitutionary death sacrifice in the Torah--neither death nor suffering nor punishment of the animal has any place in the sacrificial system--and (b) there are both atoning and non-atoning sacrifices. Surprisingly, the earliest and most common sacrifices associated with Jesus's death are the non-atoning ones. Nevertheless, when considering the whole NT, Jesus is said to accomplish all the benefits of the entire Levitical system, from both atoning and non-atoning sacrifices and purification. Moreover, all sacrificial interpretations of Jesus's death in the NT operate within the paradigm of participation, which is antithetical to notions of substitution. The sacrificial imagery in the NT is aimed at grounding the exhortation for the audience to be conformed to the cruciform image of Jesus by sharing in his death. The consistent message throughout the entire NT is not that Jesus died instead of us, rather, Jesus dies ahead of us so that we can unite with him and be conformed the image of his death.Andrew Remington Rillera is assistant professor of biblical studies and theology at The King's University in Edmonton, Alberta, in Canada.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Gretchen Purser, host of The Mess is Mine Podcast, joins Teer, Todd, and Jason to preview Election Day 2024. Gretchen helps us understand how we got to where we are and what we might expect on Election Day and the following days, weeks, and months.Gretchen is a recovering evangelical, former political hack, and Republican refugee.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Brad East joined the pod to discuss his new book, The Church: A Guide to the People of God. From the publisher (Lexham Press):The Bible tells the story of God and his people. But it is not merely history. It is our story. Abraham is our father. And Israel's freedom from slavery is ours.Brad East traces the story of God's people, from father Abraham to the coming of Christ. He shows how we need the scope of the entire Bible to fully grasp the mystery of the church. The church is not a building but a body. It is not peripheral or optional in the life of faith. Rather, it is the very beating heart of God's story, where our needs and hopes are found.Brad East (PhD, Yale University) is an associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. He is the editor of Robert Jenson's The Triune Story: Collected Essays on Scripture (Oxford University Press, 2019) and the author of four books: The Doctrine of Scripture (Cascade, 2021), The Church's Book: Theology of Scripture in Ecclesial Context (Eerdmans, 2022), The Church: A Guide to the People of God (Lexham, 2024), and Letters to a Future Saint: Foundations of Faith for the Spiritually Hungry (Eerdmans, 2024).His articles have been published in Modern Theology, International Journal of Systematic Theology, Scottish Journal of Theology, Journal of Theological Interpretation, Anglican Theological Review, Pro Ecclesia, and Political Theology; his essays have appeared in The Christian Century, Christianity Today, Comment, Commonweal, First Things, The Hedgehog Review, The Los Angeles Review of Books, The New Atlantis, Mere Orthodoxy, Plough, and The Point.Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Paul, a farmer and theologian, discusses his journey into farming and theology, his formation in the faith, and his theological influences. He emphasizes the importance of the object of faith and the danger of turning justification into the object of faith. He also addresses the issue of antinomianism in Lutheranism and the need to retain God's law. Paul and Jason discuss the misuse of the term 'genocide' in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They also touch on the challenges of engaging in the public square as a Christian. In this conversation, Paul Henrickson discusses various topics including politics, preaching, the book of Joshua, the Gospel of Mark, and mental health. He expresses his concerns about the polarization in politics and the influence of corporate power on both major political parties. He also shares his experience of preaching and how it led to the creation of his book on preaching. Paul talks about his commentary on the book of Joshua and his love for the Gospel of Mark. He discusses the challenges of navigating disagreements and the importance of civil discourse. Lastly, he explores the topic of depression and the impact of lost connections on mental health.

In this conversation, Jason Micheli, Teer Hardy and Jack Levison discuss various topics, including their experiences in Greece, and the role of the Holy Spirit. They explore the physicality of the Holy Spirit and its connection to the resurrection of Jesus. They also touch on the dematerialization of the Holy Spirit in Christian theology and the need to reclaim its materiality. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the presence of the Holy Spirit in the proclamation of the gospel and the sacraments. 

In this conversation, Beverly Gaventa discusses her new commentary on Romans and the themes within the book. She talks about the last time she cried and the hymn that moved her to tears. She also shares her experience as a parishioner in her son's church and the challenges of preaching Paul's letter to the Romans. Gaventa highlights the importance of understanding the concrete audience of the letter and the role of women in interpreting and delivering it. 

In this conversation, Mark Edwards discusses the concept of prison as a sacrament of freedom. He highlights the global problem of mass incarceration and the need for prison abolition. Edwards explores the theology of Karl Barth and his prison sermons, which offer a unique perspective on the nature of prison. He also delves into the definition of sacrament and expands it beyond traditional notions. Edwards examines the role of proclamation in the sacrament of prison and its connection to the biblical narrative and the civil rights movement. This conversation explores the themes of prison ministry, the transformative power of imprisonment, and the role of protest and reform in carceral conditions. The chapters cover topics such as the first Christian community in prison, the reconciliation and liberation found in Christ's imprisonment, the truth about ourselves revealed in prison, and the presence of Christ in prison. The conversation also delves into the humanitarian concerns of prisons, the church as an imprisoned body, and the theological understanding of imprisonment as a sacrament. The chapters conclude with a discussion on protest and imprisonment in the context of Bonhoeffer's theology and the sacrament of imprisonment as a means of freedom.

Teer and Jason sit down with Rolf Jacobson and Ruben Rosario Rodriguez to reflect on the life and work of Jürgen Moltmann.Moltmann was a German Reformed theologian who was Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the University of Tübingen and was known for his books such as The Theology of Hope, The Crucified God, God in Creation, and other contributions to systematic theology. 

Will Willimon's chicken sitter, Slice Penny is a rising third year student at Duke Divinity School and soon-to-be-husband. A recovering drug and alcohol addict, Slice served four years for drug trafficking at a maximum security prison in Florida. Looking back, he sees it's all a part of God's call upon his life. 

Tony Jones joins the podcast to discuss his new book, The God of Wild Places, and his experiences in the outdoors. The book is a memoir that explores themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the search for identity. Tony discusses the process of writing and recording the audiobook and the challenges of sharing personal stories. The conversation also touches on the role of anger and the theology of the cross in Tony's journey.Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of honesty and authenticity in storytelling. Tony reflects on the connection between nature and spirituality, the role of the church in his life, and the challenges he faced in his personal journey. The conversation also touches on themes of redemption, mentorship, and the importance of disciplined practice. Tony shares his writing process and future projects, including a study on the 'nones' and a potential trip to Jerusalem and Rome.Don't forget to head over to https://www.crackersandgrapejuice.com Click on “Support the Show.”Subscribe to CGJ+For peanuts, you can help us out….we appreciate it more than you can imagine.Follow us on the three-majors of social media:FacebookInstagramX

Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood join the pod to discuss their new book, Baptizing America - How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism.From the publisher:In the face of a rising threat to both church and democracy, Baptizing America provides an urgent examination and an enlightening critique exposing the dangerous undercurrents of Christian Nationalism. How can Mainline Protestants spot such practices in their own activities? A crucial call to reckon with influences before it's too late. Christian Nationalism presents an existential threat to both Christ's church and American democracy. Now is the time — before it is too late — to reckon with all the places its pernicious influence arises. On full display in recent elections, Christian Nationalism also exists in sanctuaries where an American flag has been displayed for decades, when we pledge allegiance to one nation “Under God,” or when the U.S. is called a Christian nation. Baptizing America critiques the concept of civil religion, arguing that such expressions are far more dangerous than we realize. Mainline Protestant congregations will likely recognize themselves in the overlooked expressions of Christian Nationalism that pop up in the activities of both church and state.Coauthor of Unsettling Lent: A Devotional, Word&Way Editor & President since 2016, Brian Kaylor is an award-winning writer and sought-after expert on issues of religion, politics, and communication. He also hosts the award-winning podcast “Baptist Without An Adjective.”Beau T. Underwood has served as Senior Pastor of Allisonville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Indiana since January of 2023. Besides pastoring congregations, he has led the advocacy efforts of faith-based organizations in Washington, DC, helped steer an award-winning journalistic ministry, staffed congressional campaigns, served as a community organizer, and worked as a hospital chaplain.Don't forget to head over to https://www.crackersandgrapejuice.com Click on “Support the Show.”Subscribe to CGJ+For peanuts, you can help us out….we appreciate it more than you can imagine.Follow us on the three-majors of social media:https://www.facebook.com/crackersnjuicehttps://www.instagram.com/crackersandgrapejuicehttp://www.twitter.com/crackersnjuice

Join the Homebrewed Christianity & Crackers and Grape Juice podcasts for a unique evening of candid theological discussions over a pint at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. ahead of the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. A dynamic trio of thought leaders will join us: Dr. Leah Robinson, Rev. Dr. Will Willimon, and Rev. Derrick Scott.This event is for anyone interested in theology and who wants to engage in open conversations in a relaxed setting. We will delve deep into the pressing issues confronting the modern church in America. From societal challenges to internal transformations, these voices offer unique perspectives, sparking conversations on faith, culture, and the evolving role of the church in our communities. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore theological topics in a casual and welcoming environment.The event will not be live-streamed, but rest assured that because this is a live podcast recording, the audio will be available shortly after the event.So, if you are heading to Charlotte for The United Methodist Church's 2024 General Conference, I hope you'll stop by Petty Thieves Brewing Co.Get Your Tickets Now

Teer caught up with the Godfather of the pod, Brian Zahnd to talk about his newest book The Wood Between the Worlds - A Poetic Theology of the Cross. Brian and Teer talk about why a theology of the cross is necessary to fully understand the Good News of the Gospel, along with what is lost when we become numb to the violence of Good Friday.The cross is the heart of ScriptureEverything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story—the axis upon which the biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude—that there is always something more to be said.Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew.If you subscribe to Crackers & Grape Juice+ check out the video.

Sarah discusses the significance of the Transfiguration and its importance in the church calendar. She explores the distinction between the transfigured Jesus and the risen Jesus, highlighting the unique characteristics of each. Sarah also delves into the misunderstood offer to build booths and its connection to the Festival of Booths. She examines the representation of Moses and Elijah in the transfiguration and their role in the eschatological narrative. Sarah emphasizes the Jewish reticence to capture the glory of God and the modesty of biblical miracle stories. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of listening to Jesus. In this conversation, Sarah Henlicky Wilson discusses the transfiguration in the Gospel of John and its connections to Sukkot and other Jewish festivals. She highlights the allusions to Sukkot in John and the significance of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem for the final Passover. Sarah also explores the presence of Greeks in the Sukkot story and their connection to Jesus' hour of glorification. She emphasizes the similarities between the synoptic transfiguration and the transfiguration in John, suggesting that both narratives are mapping the same thing in their own distinctive ways. Sarah concludes by inviting listeners to support her Kickstarter campaign for her book on the transfiguration.

Our latest episode with our new friend Rabbi Joseph Edelheit, who's promised to return several more times so we can learn from and listen to one another. Rabbi Joseph joined Johanna and me to share his reflections as a Jew living in Diaspora on the 10/7 Hamas massacre. We discuss other matters but never wander far from today's headlines. Here's a bit about Joseph:50 Years in the Rabbinate: Rabbi Joseph A. Edelheit (C '73) on the Unique Experiences of His Rabbinic Engagement:When I thought about becoming a rabbi as an undergraduate at CAL Berkely in 1966, I could never have imagined the extraordinary experiences I would have. For fifty years, people have asked me to engage them, teach them, and sometimes lead and interpret a meaningful ritual in their life.I have served three Reform congregations over thirty years in the Upper Midwest. where I learned what “windchill” meant. From the outset, the reality of interfaith couples and families became a central focus of my rabbinate. “Intro to Judaism” education and congregational programming have always been a significant concern.Eventually regional and national rabbinic work about gerim/gerut provided me with an opportunity to be a leading advocate for Patrilineal Descent. University teaching became important, especially Jewish-Christian dialogue, which led to an opportunity to do doctoral work at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago.HIV/AIDS emerged at a time when those who were among its first patients and deaths were alone and often rejected. I served this tragically unique community, which led to opportunities to lead in how Reform Judaism faced these challenges both in Chicago and nationally. Eventually my work was recognized, and I was asked to serve on President Bill Clinton's Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, 1996–2000.I retired from my congregational rabbinate in 2001 because of challenges to my health, and I finished my doctoral work (DMin) at the University of Chicago in 2001.A state university that settled a class-action lawsuit over antisemitism asked for my help. As part of the settlement, I created a program of campus and community engagement about Jewish culture. Eventually, I became tenured faculty, and retired as Emeritus Professor of Religious and Jewish Studies.Though I tried to bracket my rabbinate at a state university, my pastoral role was called upon by students, faculty, and administration alike. My academic career required teaching about and interpreting Jews, Jewish life and texts, and Judaism to a campus and community of less than fifty Jews.I helped to bring a unique symphony and choral Holocaust memorial program, “To Be Certain of the Dawn,” to the state university and a nearby Catholic university. We later took more than 250 students and faculty to France and Germany and performed it at Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp with survivors in the audience.During this period, there was an opportunity in India to continue my HIV/AIDS work with multi-faith organizations who worked among infected children whose parents had died of AIDS. I participated in creating an international NGO that funded and provided service for sixty AIDS orphans in rural India who were all living with HIV/AIDS. Engaging people who had never met a Jew, but invited me to share a meal while sitting on the floor of their hut, added to my life commitment of pluralism.My ongoing academic participation in the Society for Ricoeur Studies, is another unique experience of my rabbinate. I am the former student of Paul Ricoeur, who insists that philosophers and religious thinkers can and should engage in dialogue with a Jewish thinker.My participation in conferences, took me to Rio de Janeiro in 2011 when I was invited to speak to a Reform congregation, ARI. Now eleven years later, that unexpected Shabbat invitation, led to exceptional personal love and another chapter of my rabbinic life, serving the World Union of Progressive Judaism. I volunteer for Brazilian communities who have no rabbi, and whenever asked, I teach at ARI where it all started.During retirement I have written and edited two books with a third in preparation. The current crisis in antisemitism has added a new emphasis to my work in Jewish-Christian dialogue. I will co-teach a course at a Protestant seminary that deals with the challenges of preaching and teaching in response to antisemitism.In 2021, the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, honored me as their alum of the year, the first time a rabbi has ever been awarded this recognition.These fifty years were more meaningful because of the unconditional presence of my children. Still today, it is the love and respect of my family that I cherish the most.

In light of their recent panel discussion at Theology Beer Camp in Springfield, Mo, the Monday night crew discusses Sola Scriptura.

Liel Liebowitz is an Israeli journalist, author, media critic and video game scholar. Liel was born in Tel Aviv, immigrated to the United States in 1999, and earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 2007. In 2014, he was Visiting Assistant Professor of Media, Culture and Communication at New York University. A veteran of the Israeli Defense Force, Liel is now Editor at Large for Tablet Magazine and a host of its weekly culture podcast Unorthodox and daily Talmud podcast Take One. Jason spoke with him recently about the horrific terrorist attack upon Israelis last Saturday and how Christians and Jews in particular can respond. In the conversation, he shares Tablet's project to archive the testimonials of Jewish victims and survivors. You can find that record HERE.

Here is a recent conversation I had with Kate Boyd about her new book, An Untidy Faith. In the wake of scandal, culture wars, and abuse, many Christians are wondering whether the North American church is redeemable—and if not, whether they should even stay. While many are answering no to those questions, this book is for those who long to disentangle their faith from all the cultural baggage and recapture the joy of following Jesus. Through personal anecdotes, encounters with the global church, deep dives into Scripture, and helpful historical context about Christianity, An Untidy Faith takes readers on two journeys. The first journey lays out the grand vision of Christianity and the legacy passed on to us by the early believers in hopes of renewing readers' belief in the church writ large. The second journey helps believers understand why they feel distant from their church settings and provides a reorientation drawn from Scripture of God's vision for community. A gentle companion, Kate Boyd walks alongside those who have questions but can't ask them for fear of being labeled by or cast out of their communities. An Untidy Faith is a guidebook for those who want to be equipped with practices to rebuild their faith and shape their communities to look more like Jesus.

New York Times bestseller Fr. James Martin joins the pod again to talk about his latest book Come Forth: The Promise of Jesus's Greatest Miracle.In this wise and compassionate book, Father James Martin, SJ explores the story of Jesus's greatest miracle—the raising of Lazarus from the dead—and what Jesus means when he calls each of us to “come forth.” Meditatively and carefully, Martin leads us verse by verse, offering profound reflections on Jesus's lessons on love, family, sadness, frustration, fear, anger, freedom, and joy. Come Forth combines:Compelling analysis of the biblical textInsights about the historical setting of the storySpiritual lessons for today's readersMeditations on Lazarus in art and the larger cultureStories from Martin's travels through the Holy LandAs he explores these strands in depth, Martin helps us let go of the limiting beliefs that prevent us from experiencing God's presence in our lives. We need only to open ourselves to the transformative story of Lazarus and trust that God can use it to free us to experience, like Lazarus, new life.Rev. James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine, consultor to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, and author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestsellers Jesus: A Pilgrimage, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and My Life with the Saints, which Publishers Weekly named one of the best books of 2006. Father Martin is a frequent commentator in the national and international media, having appeared on all the major networks, and in such diverse outlets as The Colbert Report, NPR's Fresh Air, the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988 he graduated from the Wharton School of Business.Be sure to give Fr. Martin a follow.

Dr. Tobias Cremer joins us on the pod this week to talk about his new book The Godless Crusade: Religion, Populism, and Right-Wing Idenity Politics in the West. Dr. Cremer is a Junior Research Fellow in Religion and the Frontier Challenges at Pembroke College Oxford. His research focuses on the relationship between religion, secularisation and the rise of right-wing identity politics throughout western societies. In his doctoral research (University of Cambridge, funded by the ESRC) Tobias explored how right-wing populist movements in Germany, France and the United States employ Christianity as a cultural identity marker, and how believers and church authorities are reacting to such references.

Today Jack is back! We have Jack Levison on to talk about his new book Seven Secrets of the Spirit-Filled Life: Daily Renewal, Purpose and Joy When You Partner with the Holy Spirit.

Better late than never! This week Teer talks with Godfather of the pod, Will Willimon, about Jason's new book, A Quid Without Any Quo: A Gospel Freedom According to Galatians Go grab you a copy!

This week our guest is Karen Marsh! Karen's new book, Wake Up to Wonder came out July 11th. It's 22 invitations to amazement in the everyday.

This week we are sharing an epsidoe from ReThinking Faith, a podcast hosted by our friend Josh Patterson! Hope ya'll enjoy!

Our guest for #414 is Isaac Sharp, author of The Other Evangelicals: A Story of Liberal, Black, Progressive, Feminist, and Gay Christians―and the Movement That Pushed Them Out. Isaac B. Sharp is director of online and part-time programs and visiting assistant professor at Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. He is the coeditor of Evangelical Ethics: A Reader in the Library of Theological Ethics series (Westminster John Knox, 2015) as well as Christian Ethics in Conversation (Wipf & Stock, 2020). About the book: What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “evangelical”?For many, the answer is “white,” “patriarchal,” “conservative,” or “fundamentalist”—but as Isaac B. Sharp reveals, the “big tent” of evangelicalism has historically been much bigger than we've been led to believe. In The Other Evangelicals, Sharp brings to light the stories of those twentieth-century evangelicals who didn't fit the mold, including Black, feminist, progressive, and gay Christians.Though the binary of fundamentalist evangelicals and modernist mainline Protestants is taken for granted today, Sharp demonstrates that fundamentalists and modernists battled over the title of “evangelical” in post–World War II America. In fact, many ideologies characteristic of evangelicalism today, such as “biblical womanhood” and political conservatism, arose only in reaction to the popularity of evangelical feminism and progressivism. Eventually, history was written by the “winners”—the Billy Grahams of American religion—while the “losers” were expelled from the movement via the establishment of institutions such as the National Association of Evangelicals. Carefully researched and deftly written, The Other Evangelicals offers a breath of fresh air for scholars seeking a more inclusive history of religion in America.

In honor of the Annual Conference begginning we are sharing a special interview where Jason and Teer interview Bishop Sue Haupert. Bishop Sue was assigned to the Virginia Conference at the 2022 SEJ Conference. A Florida native, Bishop Haupert-Johnson (or “Bishop Sue”) is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.S. in Business Administration), University of Florida College of Law (J.D.), and Candler School of Theology at Emory University (M.Div.). She was a federal law clerk and a litigator with the Tampa law firm of Carlton, Fields before she answered her call to ministry. Enjoy this episode!

On the cusp of Pride month, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni signed one of the world's toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", drawing Western condemnation and risking sanctions from aid donors. Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as in more than 30 African countries, but the new law goes further. It stipulates capital punishment for "serial offenders" against the law and transmission of a terminal illness like HIV/AIDS through gay sex. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for "promoting" homosexuality. Given the news, our episode this week is a re-release of a conversation we had with Samson Turinawe. Samson is the Executive Director of the Universal Love Alliance, a grassroots organization in Uganda which advocates for LGBTQ people.A Ugandan humanitarian, educator and human rights defender. He believes that "every human being should be respected simply for being who they are, a part of Life's creation." Tolerance, inclusiveness, love, compassion, dialogue, and reconciliation are all central themes in his work. Through his teaching and activism, he emphasizes that “ignorance can be defeated through education, poverty through hard work and possession of capital, and internal schisms and separatism through unity. Samson is working for a new generation -- one that is open-minded, open-hearted, diversity-embracing, and committed to serving all of humanity.You can find out more about his work here.And go to http://www.crackersandgrapcejuice.com to find other episodes and to support the show.

Our guests this week are Joshua Chatraw and Mark Allen, coauthors of the new book, The Augustine Way: Retrieving a Vision for the Church's Apologetic Witness. Chatraw and Allen are the authors as well of the award-winning Apologetics at the Cross (an Outreach magazine and Gospel Coalition Resource of the Year). In this new book, they recover Augustine's mature apologetic voice to address the challenges facing today's church. The Augustine Way offers a compelling argument for Christian witness that is rooted in tradition and engaged with contemporary culture. It focuses on Augustine's best-known works, Confessions and The City of God, to retrieve his scriptural and ecclesial approach for a holistic apologetic witness. Joshua is a professor at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama and Mark is professor biblical and theological studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Our guest this week is fellow Mockingbird writer Duo Dickinson. Duo is an American architect who has built over 500 projects in 10 states over 30 years. His work has received more than 30 awards. His design work has appeared in over 70 publications including The New York Times, Architectural Record and House Beautiful. He has written six books, including Small Houses for the Next Century and Expressive Details for McGraw-Hill and The House You Build, published by Taunton Press and as a paperback entitled House On A Budget. His book, Staying Put, received positive reviews in The Washington Post and The New York Times, among other publications. Dickinson is a contributing writer for Mockingbird, Common Edge, and Hearst Publications. He is a contributing writer on home design for Money Magazine. He blogs at Saved By Design: https://savedbydesign.wordpress.com The post he reads and discusses in the episode: https://savedbydesign.wordpress.com/2023/05/10/when-god-was-not-there/ His professional website: http://www.duodickinson.com

Our guest today is Sarah Hinlicky Wilson. Sarah is the Founder of Thornbush Press, launched in 2020, and author of a number of books under its imprint: I Am a Brave Bridge, Sermon on the Mount: A Poetic Paraphrase, Small Catechism: Memorizing Edition, Pearly Gates: Parables from the Final Threshold, To Baptize or Not to Baptize: A Practical Guide for Clergy, and A-Tumblin' Down.Since August 2018 she has lived in Mitaka, Japan, on the campus of Japan Lutheran College and Theological Seminary, where her husband Andrew L. Wilson is Professor of Church History. She serves as one of the pastors at Tokyo Lutheran Church near the Shin-Ōkubo station in central Tokyo. She is also an Affiliated Faculty Member at the Johannelund School of Theology in Uppsala, Sweden.From July 2016 to July 2018 she lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, getting reacquainted with her home territory in between international sojourns. During that period she wrote a memoir about the year she spent in the newborn Republic of Slovakia when she was 17.From 2008 to 2016 she lived in Strasbourg, France, where she worked at the Institute for Ecumenical Research, a close affiliate of the Lutheran World Federation, specializing in Eastern Orthodoxy and Pentecostalism. She continuse to serve as a Visiting Professor of the Institute and, as such, the Consultant to the International Lutheran-Pentecostal Dialogue. With her colleague Theodor Dieter from the Institute, she teaches an annual course in Wittenberg, Germany, on Martin Luther's theology.In 2010, Andrew and she followed the footsteps of Martin Luther's pilgrimage from Germany to Rome five hundred (or maybe four hundred ninety-nine) years earlier.She earned a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology in 2008 and an M.Div. in 2003 at Princeton Theological Seminary. During that time, Andrew and Sarah got married and became parents to Zeke. She served as pastor at a Slovak-American church in Trenton, New Jersey, and became the editor of Lutheran Forum, an independent theological quarterly, which she continued to do until the end of 2018. All her articles from that period are available here.Before graduate school she spent one year working at First Things, where she first started publishing theological essays. Since her first in October 1998, she has published hundreds of articles in popular venues like Christianity Today, The Christian Century, and Books & Culture, as well as scholarly journals like Pro Ecclesia, Pneuma, Lutheran Quarterly, and Concordia Journal. She has edited four books and contributed to a few more.She did her growing up in New York and New Jersey and still thinks of herself as a New Yorker, even though she hasn't lived there since the last millennium.