MediaScorch Network

Jason Wiedel talks with Mike McHargue about his scientific approach to God and his new book Finding God in the Waves. Mike hosts the weekly podcast, Ask Science Mike. He is also a co-host of The Liturgists Podcast. His unique approach to spirituality has made Mike a respected voice in contemporary conversations about the Christianity and our relationship to God. mikemchargue.com

This is a recording of Jason Wiedel's sermon on racism from July 10, 2016. It was delivered to an all white congregation. 

Brian McLaren is an innovative and often controversial thinker in both Evangelical and Progressive Christianity. He has been called one of the "Most Influential Evangelicals in America," as well as a false teacher and a heretic. Brian has written over 20 books on a variety of topics. Brian McLaren's passion for the environment is evident in this interview. He feels strongly that it is the Christian's responsibility to take the lead in environmental responsibility. BrianMclaren.net

Anna Jane Joyner is an environmental activist. Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina she became very concerned about mountaintop removal. Anna Jane also grew up in the evangelical, charismatic Christian world as the daughter of Pastor Rick Joyner of Morningstar Ministries. This has made her especially well equipped to speak to Christians about their responsibilities to care for the earth. Follow Anna Jane on Twitter @AnnaJaneJoyner

Jason Wiedel, his wife Della, and Chis Williams discuss the recent God's Not Dead sequel as well as their impressions of faith films in general.

Jason Wiedel talks about the environment with Brian McLaren, Dr. Leah Scade, Anna Jane Joyner, and Dustin White. BrianMcLaren.net Leah Schade Chalice Press EcoPreacher Dustin White OVEC Anna Jane Joyner @AnnaJaneJoyner

Amena Brown is a spoken word poet. During this interview Amena and Jason Wiedel talk about art in the church, performance vs ministry, and the expectations of Christian artists. Parts of this interview can also be heard on the "Art & Christianity" episode.

Normally we discuss a specific film on this podcast, but this time its an interview with Gareth Higgins. This is a fascinating discussion of film and faith, and the way movies shape the way we see the world. Check out GarethHiggins.net for more from our guest including his exciting work producing the Movies & Meaning festival.

Poet Amena Brown, activist/performers Jay Beck and Tevyn East, and founder of the Movies & Meaning festival Gareth Higgins talk about art and its relationship to Christianity. We talk about the artist's struggle to create within the church, the different forms art can take, and art's ability to change the world.Gareth HigginsAmena BrownCarnival de Resistance

Mitchell Jones is a gay pastor who lives in Virginia. He tells his story in a new book called Coming Out: A Journey to Authenticity.This is an extended version of the interview included in the Gay & Christian Identity episode.

This is one of the most contentious issues for many Christians today. This show features a variety of perspectives in an attempts to bring respect and civility to the discussion. Jason Wiedel talks with Rev Amy Piatt who has experienced protests due to her open and affirming position. Jason also talks with gay pastor Mitchell Jones author of Coming Out: the Journey to Authenticity.

It is really easy to lose touch with being thankful in the middle of preparing for holidays. Rev Mark Sandlin of the Moonshine Jesus Show and Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, talk about what it means to cultivate gratefulness and reject selfishness.Mark SandlinAmy Morin

Ex Machina is a fascinating film that examines ideas such as consciousness and humanity. Michael Hardin brings the philosophy and theology of mimetic theory to the discussion with Jason Wiedel. This conversation not only shines a light on the film, but also on some big ideas about society and culture.

It seems that most churches struggle with the way they should respond to issues of mental health. Is mental illness real? Is is physical? Is it spiritual? Is is something that people can overcome by simply choosing to get over it? Can we pray it away?In this episode Jason Wiedel talks with Rev. Sarah Griffith Lund, author of Blessed Are the Crazy, therapist Kisha Parker, and pastor David Hosey. Each have important insights about the way Christians understand mental health.Sarah Griffith LundKisha Parker - healingpathways@yahoo.comDavid Hosey

Jason Wiedel talks with Mike Finch about technology, generational change, the emergent movement, and much more. A portion of this converstion can be heard on the Social Media & Cultural Change episode. Now you can listen to the entire conversation.

Social Media seems is a powerful influence on our culture. It is not only changing the way we communicate with friends, but the way we learn, the way we work, and the way our churches function. Jason Wiedel talks with Bruce Reyes-Chow, author of The Definate-ivish Guide to Using Social Media in the Church, Jamie Notter, author of When Millenials Take Over, and media professor Mike Finch.Dr. Mike FinchBruce Reyes-ChowJamie Notter

The Last Temptation of Christ could easily be considered one of the most controversial films of all time. Christianity Today called it a "Tipping point in the American culture wars." Jason Wiedel and Chris Williams discuss Martin Scorsese's 1988 film looking at the ways it offends, inspires, enlightens, and helps us to understand Jesus better. Read Jason Wiedel's blog at jasonwiedel.comListen to Chris Williams on ItsMyFavorite.podbean.com

Our theology, our beliefs about God, are continually changing in big and small ways. In this episode Jason Wiedel talks to Christian Piatt, Brandan Robertson, and Rev. Jimmy Acree regarding the things we believe and the ways those beliefs are changing.Christians PiattBrandan RobertsonJimmy AcreeDavid Messick, jr. and April Hobbs also appear in this episode.

Raborn Johnson is a co-host of the Beyond the Box podcast as well as the creator of the Mundane Revolution. During this interview Raborn talks about his extensive project examining the death penalty in America. The stories and insights he reveals are both revealing and heart-wrenching.Parts of this interview can be heard in the Peace & Nonviolence episode.Check out Raborn's  death penalty project at TheMundanRevolution.com.Listen to Beyond the Box at BeyondtheBoxPodcast.com.

Hear the whole extended interview with Brad Gross and Scott Matkovich. This is a fascinating conversation about the state of Christianity. Parts of this interview were included in the "Talking About Jesus Outside the Church" episode.

What does it mean to talk about Jesus with the structure of the institutional church? On this episode Jason Wiedel talks with Scott and Brad from the Outsiders Podcast, Jay McNeal, and Tony Kriz about the changing culture, new forms of church and what happens when we don't go to Sunday morning services.Scott Matkovich & Brad Gross - Outsiders PodcastJay McNeal - Clergy for HireTony Kriz

This is an extended version of the interview with Micky ScottBey Jones included in the "Racism & Christianity" episode. Now you can hear more of Micky's incredibly insightful thoughts on race, the church, and the things we can be doing to bring healing.

Star Wars has become a part of culture in a way that no other film franchise has. Whether or not you are a fan, you will appreciate the discussion of the philosophical and religious themes present in Star Wars. Dan Zehr and Cory Clubb from the Coffee with Kenobi podcast join Jason Wiedel for this episode. Dan and Cory's regular examination of the ongoing Star Wars saga has become extremely popular among Star Wars fans.Keep up with Star Wars news and listen to episodes of Coffee with Kenobi here.Follow them on Twitter @CoffeeWithKenobi.

Conversations about racism are very important in America right now. Sometimes it is very difficult to know how we, as Christians, should be talking about race. What should we be saying? What should we be doing?In this episode Jason Wiedel talks to Micky ScotBey Jones, Dr. William Barber, and David Bailey who have all been active to heal racial problems is different ways. The conversations are challenging and eye opening.Learn more about the work of our contributors here.Micky ScotBey JonesDr. William BarberDavid BaileyJason Wiedel

Do you want to hear more from Pastor Brian Zahnd? This is the extended version of the interview featured on the Peace & Nonviolence episode. Pastor Zahnd is amazingly insightful and extremely interesting.

Brian Zahnd, Benjamin L Cory, Raborn Johnson, Mike Martin, and John Dear discuss Christian nonviolence with Jason Wiedel.Being peacemakers in a world filled with conflict is very difficult. In this episode we discuss what Jesus' teaching and example reveal to us about nonviolence. We also talk about war, capital punishment, guns, nuclear weapons, and theology. This topic might make you mad, but it might also challenge you to live as a peacemaker.See more about the contributors to this episode.Jason WiedelBrian ZahndRaborn JohnsonMike MartinJohn DearBenjamin L. Cory

The Discussion Panel consisting of Jason Wiedel, Kevin Miller, Chris Williams, and Terry Cranford-Smith discuss the film Snowpiercer. Snowpiercer was a very limited released in 2013. It is directed by Bong Joon-ho and stars Chris Evans, Kang-ho Song, and Tilda Swinton.This film carries an explicit message about class, privilege, and the structuring of society. We discuss these themes in addition to some spiritual ideas present in the film.Snowpiercer is rated R for language and violence. Although it can stir important conversations, this film is not appropriate for all viewers.Kevin Miller is a filmaker who is best known for the documentary Hellbound?, which examines the Christian ideas of hell. Read more here.Chris Williams is a film critic in Michigan. See his work at Local Celebs Magazine, chrisicisms.com, and look for his podcast called It's My Favorite.Jason Wiedel is the author of Persecution Complex. He also writes at JasonWiedel.com. Jason is the host of most of the podcasts at MediaScorchPodcasts.com.