Sunday Morning Matinee

This week, Matt and Adam are joined by Casey Thompson to talk, spice, messiah's, and Denis Villeneuve's new adaptation of Dune. As the source of so many sci-fi and fantasy tropes, it is hard to talk about this movie independent of all that came after. So in the first segment, the conversation twists and turns around ideas of myth, influence, and ideas of leadership in a broken world. In the second segment, the group discusses how Dune might help us understand the lectionary texts for November 14, year B. Finally, Matt talks about Children's lit and Adam reflects on a synth chord from an old Radiohead album.

After a long hiatus, Matt and Adam are back to talk movies, ministry, and the church. This week they welcome Christian Century editor Amy Frykholm to the show. Amy has just published the book Wild Woman: A Footnote, The Desert and My Quest for an Elusive Saint. Given that Amy went on a quest to write the book, what better movie to discuss than Richard Donner's 1985 suburban quest fantasy, The Goonies. In the first segment, the conversation swirls around the makings of a quest and why we are drawn to them. In the second segment, the conversation turns to the lectionary passages for October 31st as the group discusses Ruth, the greatest commandments, and the Shema. Finally, Matt endorses some Broadway and Adam wonders about the church of the early 2000s. Friends, up there, it is their time. But down here, it is our time. So let us follow in the footsteps of Chester Coppperpot and search for hidden treasure. It's time for Sunday Morning Matinee.

On this last episode before summer break, Matt and Adam talk about their love for Fast Five, the dumbest and most brilliant of the Fast and Furious movies. Over the course of the show they talk about what it means to be a family, they also drink Coronas and toast to their family, then they plan a heist, and finally, by the end, they become family to each other. It's quite a ride. Show Note: the podcast was recorded a few weeks ago with the intention of putting it up for the second lectionary week of ordinary time. Then life intervened. We are dropping it now because it was a fun conversation and should be listened to by everyone who is intending to see F9 in a few days.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam revisit a classic, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Hoping to find gold in the old movie, the two were left with more questions than answers. What happens when something so influential is consumed by its inspirations? And how in the world do you make theological sense of this movie? If you'd like to listen to two people try to spin gold from straw, then this one is for you. Of course, the conversation then turns to Pentecost and the way in which the Spirit presses the church always into the coming future-- even if it doesn't want to go. Finally, Adam talks about the Sons of Korah, and Matt gets wound up about the Oscars.

This week is a little different. In anticipation of the 2021 Academy Awards, Matt and Adam watched the Best Pictures Nominees in order to discuss what these movies have to do with ministry, theology, and the world. So before the red carpet is laid out on Hollywood and Highland, come and join the conversation about this crazy year in movies.

As Easter Sunday approaches, Matt and Adam talk about violence, resurrection, and the 2012 James Bond film, Skyfall. In the first segment, the two discuss the many iterations of Bond and whether the character and genre have any lasting significance. In the second segment, the conversation centers on James Bond and Resurrection Sunday. Does Bond have anything new to add to our Easter theologies? Finally, Adam talks about Holy Week poetry and Matt considers the art world.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam are joined by Tim Hughes to discuss, magic, identity, and Derek Delgaudio's In and Of Itself. in the first segment, the group discusses Delgaudio's popular stage show that is part magic, part performance art, and part group therapy. Diving deep into the show, the conversation searches out themes of belonging, identity, deception, and the artifice of church worship. In the second segment, the group discusses the intersection of the lectionary passages for March 21st and In and of Itself. Finally, to tend the show, Matt thinks about an online SXSW and Adam talks about Robertson Davies.

Ok, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's coooooold outside, and it's time to talk about growth, pain, and the classic film, Groundhog Day. This week, Adam and Matt are joined by frequent guest Steve Bragaw to discuss the theological and ministerial themes of Groundhog Day. In the first segment, the conversation centers on questions of grace, truth, and growth. Is Phil Connors sanctified by the end? Where does grace come into play here? In the second segment, the group looks at the lectionary passages for March 14th, the third Sunday in Lent, and discusses how they connect with Groundhog Day. Finally, in the final segment, Matt talks TV and Adam longs for a trip to the sea. Listen, I got you, babe, it's time for Sunday Morning Matinee.

After a holiday break, Adam and Matt return to discuss parties, worship, and Steve McQueen's new film, Lover' Rock. In the first segment, Matt and Adam examine the films themes and how they relate to theology and ministry. The two spend a long time discussing "the scene" of the movie (if you have seen it, you know the one.) The two then discuss how Lovers' Rock intersects with the lectionary passages for February 14. Finally, Matt gives some movie recommendations, and Adam falls in love with a kid's show.

On this week's show, Adam and Matt are joined by pastor Becca Messman to talk about the rise and fall of the movie, Love, Actually. Released in 2003, Love, Actually had a run as a feel-good Christmas movie before it began to evaporate into the ether. This episode sorts through the craziness of the movie and tries to find some redeeming qualities that could bring some Christmas cheer. The conversation then turns to the lectionary passages for December 20th and how Love, Actually might help make sense of them. It's a crazy task, but hey, that's the show. The show concludes with some talk about theaters and theater. So grab some egg nog and come along for a wild Christmas ride.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam discuss the recent release, Bill and Ted Face the Music. Given the anxiety of the election, Matt and Adam needed to watch something stupid; hence Bill and Ted Face the Music. It is a stupid movie but in a way that hits the spot in these times. In the first segment, the conversation centers on the need for foolish things, the value of a corporate song, and how to leave a legacy. In the second segment, Matt and Adam examine the lectionary passages for November 15 and talk about Jesus' parable of the Talents and how it intersects with Bill and Ted. Finally, in the final segment, Adam discusses outtakes, and Matt talks about "Joy and Grief."  Party on.

On this episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam discuss theology, ministry and Jeff Nichols' 2011 film, Take Shelter. In the first segment, the discussion ceneters around questions of the apocalypse, mental health, and caring for the vulnerable in ourt churches. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss the lectionary texts for October 25 and how they connect to Take Shelter. Finally, Adam ends by listing documentary films and Matt wonders about all the cast reunions forming to raise money for the upcoming election. So escape from the world in your tornado shelter and listen to Sunday Morning Matinee!

82: Enola Holmes by Matt Gaventa & Adam Hearlson

After a summer hiatus, Matt and Adam are back to talk about all the things they watched during their summer break. Breaking from the usual format, the discussion centers around the movies that kept them sane during the pandemic.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk with constitutional scholar, Steve Bragaw about the theological implications of stealing the Declaration of Independence. Really, this is what this podcast was made for. We watched a bonkers movie and then talked with a smart person about conspiracies, theology, scripture and hermeneutics. Then we tried to ask how Pentecost might be understood in light of the themes of National Treasure. We were built for this (and maybe only this). So far down the rabbit hole with us, it's time for Sunday Morning Matinee.

Ooooooh boy. Well this is a week late! A quarantine fog set in and delayed this podcast. Forgive us for our lateness. Today we rest in the confidence that grace abounds! That said, this is a great episode! We have Eric Barreto from Princeton Theological Seminary, talking smart about Apollo 13, the need for agility in this time, and the book of Acts. Matt says some very smart things about duct tape. Adam chimes in with ideas about leadership. This is a good conversation. You should listen to it, even if it is talking about the lectionary passages from a week ago.  So buckle up, get in your space shuttle, and blast off to another episode of Sunday Morning Matinee.

As Holy Week begins, Matt and Adam talk hope, resurrection, and Pixar's newest movie, Onward. Considering everyone is sheltering in place, it is time to tuck in and watch a good old fashioned adventure movie. A movie about courage, magic, and partially resurrected dads! In the first segment, Adam and Matt talk about resurrection, magic, and Eastertide. I the second segment, Adam and Matt talk about the RCL texts for Easter and how Onward can help us better understand the resurrection accounts. Finally, Adam gets nostalgic and Matt talks about his favorite movie theater. Grab your wizard staff and let's do this. Onward and upward!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam are joined by pastor, beekeeper, and chaplain at the Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, Kathy Anderson to discuss the widely-acclaimed 2019 documentary, Honeyland. Set in rural Macedonia, Honeyland follows one of Europe's last wild beekeeper's as she tries to maintain her practice in an unforgiving world. In the first segment, the discussion centers on the lives of bees and how they can be a rich source of theological imagining. In the second segment, the group discusses the Palm Sunday texts for April 5 and what bees can help us understand about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Finally, in the final segment, Matt gives thanks for Mo Willems and Adam offers up a boring old academic article. As the bees arrive, let us gather together, even as we remain apart!

As we all hunker down, Adam and Matt revisit Edgar Wright's 2004 zombie rom-com, Shaun of the Dead. In the first segment, they discuss why Shaun of the Dead is still relevant for ministry in the age of coronavirus. In the second segment, they consider the lectionary for March 22nd and how it intersects with Shaun of the Dead. Finally, Matt talks about Austin and Adam talks about local history. As you find something else to do while you are home, join Sunday Morning Matinee for a conversation that will eat up at least 45 minutes of your day!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt welcome Sarah Kinney Gaventa, Dean of Students at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to talk about work, sexism, Dolly Parton, and the 1980 hit movie, 9 to 5. In the first segment, the group discusses the sad ways in which this 1980's workplace farce diagnosis our current problems of sexism in the workplace. Then the discussion turns to the wonder of Dolly Parton and her ability to cross boundaries. In the second segment, the group discusses 9 to 5 and its relevance for the lectionary passages for Lent 2, March 8. Finally, Matt takes a sabbath and Adam sort of recommends a book.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk comedy, identity, and Billy Wilder's classic, Some Like it Hot. In the first segment, Matt and Adam talk about how a radical vision of gender ambiguity animates the comedy of Some like it Hot. The conversation turns to a discussion about how the famous last line of the movie has deeply theological implications. In the second segment, the two discuss the scripture passages for Transfiguration Sunday and how Christ's new form and Some like it Hot intersect at questions of revealed identities and what is hidden in the midst of revelation. Finally, Matt talks about movies he watched on a plane, and Adam discusses an article he read.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about how the Academy Awards disrupted their own narrative by awarding the Best Picture award to Bong Joon Ho's masterpiece, Parasite. After heaping praise on Parasite (and scorn on the award show) Matt and Adam discuss a great year in movies and note some of their own favorites.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about the papacy, the burdens of ministry, and The Two Popes. In the first segment, Matt and Adam discuss how two of the most powerful people in the world can still struggle with the quotidian trials of ministry. Popes! They are just like us. The conversation also turns to how failure prepares people for leadership. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss the advent texts for Epiphany 2 and how the sound of the calling shapes the one being called. Finally, Matt loves British television and Adam loves bad television. So after you watch two guys talk to each other for a full movie, come and listen to two guys talk to each other about the movie where two guys talk to each other!

On this special Christmas Eve Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about stories, Christmas and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Considering that Star Wars might be the most important pop culture property of the past 100 years, it is fitting to gather and talk about the last film in the Skywalker Saga. Matt and Adam talk about the problems and merits of The Rise of Skywalker before trying to connect the story to the season of Christmas and Epiphany. Finally, the two end the show with a discussion of film archives and christmas bobby traps. So if you are driving home for Christmas or have run out of things to say to your family, come and join Matt and Adam for a little holiday fun.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk sacrifice, small town life, Christmas movies, and the Frank Capra classic, It's a Wonderful Life. In the first segment, Adam share his distaste before Matt provides an affectionate rebuttal. Then Adam softens and Matt gets critical. In the second segment, the discussion turns to the lectionary passages for Advent 4A and how the connect to It's a Wonderful Life. Specifically, talk centers around Matthew's birth narrative and how mission and calling help us understand Christmas. Finally, Matt loves movies about reading and Adam loves Little Baby Yoda. It's doesn't matter if you prefer Pottersvile or Bedford Falls, you will always find a home at Sunday Morning Matinee.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk aging, gangsters, repentance and Martin Scorcese's new film, The Irishman. In the first segment, Matt and Adam discuss their thoughts of the movie, it's three and half hour runtime, and its place within the genre. The discussion then turns to themes of repentence and the formation of identity in a violent world. In the second segment, the discussion turns toward the lectionary passages for this coming week, December 15, 2019. Specifically, the conversation examines the back and forth of John the Baptist and Jesus and the way in which hearing and seeing Christ in the world undermines the propensity to do terrible things. Finally, in the final segment, Matt goes tech geek and Adam learns that reading is pretty great. So, when you finally finish The Irishman, stop in and join the conversation!

On this week’s Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt are joined by Bromleigh McCleneghen to discuss the new Fred Rogers movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In the first part of the show, the group discusses the peculiarity of Fred Rogers and the theological lessons he taught the world. The group also tries to understand the value of Fred Rogers in our divided time. In the second segment, attention turns to the lectionary passages for the first week in Advent, year A. Spending time with the Isaiah passage, the group discusses the types of imagination and work needed to turn swords into plowshares. Finally, in the last segment, Matt goes click and clack and Adam lets out his inner Roman Catholic. You know, it IS a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Won’t you join us?

In anticipation of Frozen 2, Matt and Adam revisit Disney's 2013 mega-hit, Frozen. In the first segment, the conversation turns to questions of sacrifice, atonement, and true love. Additionally, the hosts can't escape talking about the staying power and meaning of the ubiquitous ear-worm of a song, "Let it Go." In the second segment of the show, Matt and Adam turn their attention to the lectionary passages for November 17th and talk about how Frozen can help us understand the New Jerusalem and the grace of ice. Finally, in the final segment, Adam talks banned books and Matt pours one out for some bloggers. Friends, let it go--all of it--it's time for Sunday Morning Matinee!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about skateboarding, family, brokenness and Bing Lau's incredible film, Minding the Gap. In the first segment, Matt and Adam discuss the themes of the film and how they intersect with life, theology and ministry. Specifically, the conversation examines the way in which violence shapes, deforms and inspires the main characters. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss the movie in light of the lectionary scriptures for this coming Sunday, November 3rd. Specifically, the conversation centers around Habbakuk, the alternate Psalm and the interplay of truth, waiting, and patience. Finally, in the last segment, Matt talks parasites and Adam talks waves. Minding the Gap  is an amazing film, go watch it. Once you have, come and join the conversation!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt reflect on the the many themes of the movie Joker and how they might inform our theologies and support our ministries. In the first segment, the conversation revolves around the all the ways Joker tries to be something other than a superhero movie, while also trying to be a superhero movie. In the second segment, Matt and Adam look at the lectionary passages for October 20th, 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C and discuss how they connect to Joker. Finally, Matt talks about another stand up comic movie and Adam talks about a comic book... book.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam are joined by Villanova University professor, Christy Lang Hearlson to talk about adolescence, anger and Olivia Wilde's newest movie, Booksmart. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, the group talks about teen movies, the struggle with "being a relationship," and what maturity requires. In the second segment, the trio turns to the lectionary passages for October 6, Ordinary 22, World Communion Sunday. The conversation revolves around the laments of the texts and the struggles of growing up. Finally, in the postludes, Matt talks about an old tv show and Adam talks about a meal he once ate. So, one last night before graduation. Should you go to that great party? No! Stay in and listen to Sunday Morning Matinee.

In the first episode of the season, Matt and Adam welcome Brennan Breed to talk about apocalypse, transhumanism, and Terminator 2 Judgement Day. In the first segment, the discussion centers around theological questions of apocalypse, human hubris, and the technocratic impulses of our world. In the second segment, the group discusses Terminator 2 in light of the lectionary passages for September 22. In the final segment, Matt talks Veronica Mars and Adam gives thanks for his liberal arts education. So break out your Guns and Roses casette tape and jump on your dirt bike, it's time for another week of Sunday Morning Matinee.

In anticipation of the new season of Sunday Morning Matinee here is a quick discussion of Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade at the Alamo Draft House in Austin, TX. As guests of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, Adam and Matt discuss holiness, the grail, and fathers in front of a live audience that has just watched the movie.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk with Nate Stucky, Director of the Farminary at Princeton Theological Seminary about farming, harmony, theology and the new film, The Biggest Little Farm.  In 2011, Los Angeles couple John and Molly Chester decided to upend their cosmopolitan lifestyle and bought a piece of dried-out land north out of the city and dedicated themselves to converting it into a fully biodiverse agricultural utopia named Apricot Lane Farms. This move was in accordance with Molly’s long-held dream, but John also happens to be an Emmy-Award winning director and cinematographer, so over the eight years of bringing this farm to life he has been chronicling their story on film, which now comes together as the feature documentary The Biggest Little Farm. Because it’s John and Molly telling their own story, this thing is profoundly personal -- it’s not a critical look, it’s a reflective love letter to the dream they had and the way in which it has grown and changed them over time. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, Matt, Adam and Nate discuss what lessons for ministry we might take from The Biggest Little Farm. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the discussion turns to the lectionary passages for May 12 and Nate spins some amazing stories about lambs, chickens and what it means to take a life. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Matt and Adam reflect on an early death and how to remember.  SHOW NOTES:  Nate Stucky is the Director of the Farminary Project at Princeton Theological Seminary and the author of Wrestling with Rest: Inviting Youth to Discover the Gift of Sabbath.

The end is nigh! On this week’s Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk with Eric Barreto about redemption, the apocalypse, and  Avengers: Endgame. In case you have been living in a monastic hut, Avengers: Endgame was released on April 25th and made nearly 1.2 Billion dollars in a single weekend. The movie is a pop culture goliath. But is it any good? Does it preach? In the first segment, Justification by Faith, Matt, Adam and Eric describe the theological themes within Avengers: Endgame and how the movie affected them. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the crew discusses how the lectionary passages for May 5th, Easter 3, Year C, intersect with Avengers: Endgame. Finally, in the Postludes, Matt discusses Free Comic Book Day and Adam talks about his pop culture smorgasbord.

On this week’s episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam sit down with Matt Skinner, NT Testament Professor at Luther Seminary, to talk about Easter, Crucifixion and the greatest story ever told (sort of), Monty Python’s Life of Brian. In the first segment, the discussion centers around Monty Python’s  absurd spin on the ancient world that helps us see religion, power, and Jesus from a new vantage. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group examines Luke’s resurrection account and the idle tales that make up our Easter preaching. Finally, Matt and Adam play to type. Matt talks about The Simpsons and Adam talks about Chrysostom. Remember friends, Brian is not the Messiah, he is a very naughty boy. If that reference makes any sense then you are sure to love this week’s episode.

On opening day for the 2019 baseball season, Adam and Matt welcome Kathryn Reklis to the Sunday Morning Matinee to talk about Penny Marshall's 1992 film, A League of Their Own. In the first segment, the conversation explores the theological and social themes of A League of Their Own, noting the ways in which the motivation and desires of Dottie, the protagonist, remain elusive and curious. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the discussion turns to the intersections of the movie with the lectionary passages for the fifth week in Lent, Year C, April 7. Finally, in the final segment, Postludes, Matt talks about robots and Adam talks about kilts. Support the war effort and come and listen!

New name, same nerds! Sunday Morning Matinee travels back to the nineties to talk memory, refugees, and Marvel’s newest superhero movie, Captain Marvel. In our first segment, Justification by Faith, we talk about the theological themes of Captain Marvel. Specifically, the conversation revolves around memory, assimilation, and the Marvel genre. In our second segment, Preaching to the Choir, we discuss how Captain Marvel might intersect with the lectionary passages for Lent 2, Year C, March 17, 2019. Finally, with our closing Postludes, Matt talks about Star Trek (again) and Adam talks about a documentary (again). So grab your popcorn, your flannel shirt, and your alien cat, it is time for Sunday Morning Matinee. Also, support for Technicolor Jesus comes from Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. They have just begun offering a two year master's degree in religious leadership. Learn more at: Candler.emory.edu/sundaymorning

As part of their yearly tradition, Matt and Adam reflect on the 2019 Academy Awards and the year in filmmaking. Besides discussing favorite moments, the guys discuss the merits of Green Book and the absence of Spike Lee within the history of the Academy Awards. Finally, in an effort to reach a broader audience (among other things) the name of the podcast is going to change. The subscriptions won't be affected and we will still be working with The Christian Century, but the name and artwork of the show will change before the next episode on March 11. The new name of the podcast will be..."Sunday Morning Matinee" Stay tuned for new and interesting things happening in the near future. Also, support for Technicolor Jesus comes from Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. They have just begun offering a two year master's degree in religious leadership. Learn more at candler.emory.edu/technicolorjesus

On the heels of NBA All-Star weekend and in anticipation of March Madness, this week Matt and Adam sit down with Aisha Brooks Lytle to talk about Love and Basketball. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, the group discusses what Love and Basketball has to do with life, ministry and the world. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the trio discusses how Love and Basketball intersects with the lectionary passages for the Seventh sunday in Epiphany, Year C. Specifically, they spend most of their attention on the story of Joseph and the role of family systems in the formation of identity. Finally, as postludes, Matt sees the groundhog and Adam learns to love his city. Come for the good conversation, stay for Adam’s list of best Basketball movies. Friends, it’s time for Technicolor Jesus.

In anticipation of the newly released Glass, Adam and Matt are joined by Yale Divinity School professor Greg Mobley to discuss comics, stories, and M. Night Shyamalan’s first installment in his superhero trilogy, Unbreakable. In our first segment, the group discusses the theological themes of Unbreakable. Conversation centers around the formative power of stories and pressing questions of strength and weakness. In the second segment, the conversation turns to how Unbreakable might intersect with the Fifth Sunday of Epiphany, February 10th. Spending time with the story of Isaiah’s call, the discussion centers on identity and mission. Finally, in the postludes, Matt reflects on Rent and Adam struggles with Huck. Before you see Glass, spend a little time with Unbreakable and your friends at Technicolor Jesus.

This morning the Academy Award Nominees were released. Leading the way is Alfonso Cuaron’s masterpiece Roma. On this week’s Technicolor Jesus, Adam and Matt discuss water, work, and Roma. In our first segment, Adam and Matt discuss the theological themes of Roma. With potent images of water, fire, birth, and work, Roma is a deep subject for theological inquiry. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss how Roma might intersect with the third Sunday of Epiphany, January 27th. Spending time with Nehemiah and Paul, the discussion centers on preaching and bodies. Finally, in the final postludes, Matt gets postmodern and Adam gets mushy. If you needed a reason to watch Roma (it’s brilliant, you should watch it), here it is. When you are finished come and join the conversation.

On this special Christmas Eve edition of Technicolor Jesus, Adam and Matt talk with Jennifer Howe Peace about masculinity, the baby Jesus and Die Hard. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, Matt, Adam and Jenny discuss what Die Hard has to do with life, ministry, theology and the world. Specifically, is Die Hard a Christmas movie? And what exactly makes a Christmas movie? Is it some semblance of the gospel or a different set of semantic tropes? In the second segment, Preaching to the choir, the crew asks how Die Hard might aid the understanding the lectionary texts for Christmas Eve. Does John McClane and Hans Gruber have anything to offer to our understanding of Christmas? Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Matt endorses his library and Adam gushes about Roma. Yippee Kay Yay and Hark the Herald Angels Sing! It’s time for Technicolor Jesus!

On this week’s episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam talk death, the wild west, advent, and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. In our first segment, Justification by Faith, Matt and Adam discuss what Joel and Ethan Coen’s new film, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs has to do with life, ministry, theology and the world. Released on Netflix, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs tells six separate stories of the wild west connected thematically by questions of life, death, and human agency. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, Matt and Adam ask how The Ballad of Buster Scruggs might aid the understanding the lectionary texts for Advent 2, Year C. Specifically, Zechariah’s song provides a rich background for talking about promise, finitude and potential. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Adam rants about the NSA’s favorite elf and Matt reflects on the movie that got away. So get out your cowboy hats and spurs, it’s time for another episode of Technicolor Jesus.

On this week’s Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam talk about deterrence, peace, kingship and Stanley Kubrik’s 1964 masterpiece, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. In the first segment, Matt and Adam talk about what Dr. Strangelove’s themes of violence, sex, and politics has to say about our theology, our ministry and our work within the world. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, Matt and Adam discuss what Dr. Strangelove has to do with the lectionary Sunday of November 25, the Reign of Christ Sunday. Finally, in the segment, Postludes, Adam talks about tacos and Matt has some movie recommendations.

On the eve of the US midterm election, Adam and Matt talk with Duke Divinity School professor, Jerusha Matsen Neal about honesty, authenticity, destiny, and Alexander Payne's 1999 film, Election. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, the group discusses what Election has to do with life, ministry and the world. The conversation revolves around ideas of election, the trauma at the heart of the movie, and how our deepest desires manifest in terrible ways. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, the group discuss the intersections of Election and the lectionary passages for October 11th. In the final segment, Postludes, Matt talks about video games and Adam talks about genies. If the midterm results did little to quell your anxiety, well then distract yourself with a little Technicolor Jesus!

Fifty! On this special fiftieth episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam welcome back UPenn University chaplain Chaz Howard to talk about Ryan Coogler’s 2015 film, Creed. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, the discussion revolves around Philadelphia, race, and what it means to fight for something you believe in. In the second segment, Preaching to the Choir, Matt, Adam and Chaz discuss the intersection of Creed and the lectionary passages for this coming Sunday, October 28. Finally, in the last segment, Postludes, Matt can’t tell fact from fiction and Adam can’t stop listening to Jason Isbell.

On this episode Matt and Adam welcome back Pastor and writer Becca Messman to discuss the classic movie, Mary Poppins. In the first segment of the show, the group considers the value of play and laughter and the angelic person of Mary Poppins. In the second segment of the show, the group discusses the lectionary passages for October 14th, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost. With the theme of lament and woe evident in this week’s lectionary the discussion turns to Mary Poppin’s model of prophet and High Priest. Finally, in our last segment, Adam promotes something so stupid it is smart and Matt rests softly in the mellow tones of a baking show. This is a good episode, practically perfect even.

On this week’s episode of Technicolor Jesus, Matt and Adam are LIVE at Mo Ranch in the hill country of central Texas. After leading a retreat on the theological power of movies, Matt and Adam are joined by retreat guests to talk about Jeff Nichols’ 2016 sci-fi superhero movie, Midnight Special. In the first segment, Adam and Matt talk about how Midnight Special defies typical movie conventions to say something larger about family, sacrifice, and transcendence. The audience is then invited to ask questions and provide comments about the movie. In the second segment, Adam and Matt turn their attention to the lectionary passages for this week, the 18th Sunday in ordinary time. After a quick discussion of Esther and responsibility, the hosts dig into the Mark passage and its implications for ministry and care. Finally, in the final segment Adam talks BBQ and Matt retrieves a forgotten tradition. Special thanks to Mo Ranch for their hospitality and to all our guests for their participation.

Annnnnnnnnnd...We are back! After a summer vacation, Matt and Adam return for another season of Technicolor Jesus. This fall they will talk to old and new friends about movies, theology, ministry and our world. On the first episode of the season, Matt and Adam welcome back Old Testament Professor, Laurel Koepf-Taylor to discuss the new Fred Rogers documentary, Won’t you be My Neighbor? In the first segment of the show, the group considers the model of Fred Rogers for ministry today and how sincerity, earnestness, and care might infuse the work of ministry whether it be worship or advocacy. In the second segment of the show, the group discusses the lectionary passages for September 16th, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. With the theme of teaching evident in this week’s lectionary the dicussion turns to Roger’s role as a teacher and what we might learn from his work. Finally, in our last segment, Adam promotes a tiny desk concert and Matt suggests another podcast. After a summer of rest, Adam and Matt have jumped back on the trolley. Won’t you join us, neighbor?

On this week’s episode, Matt and Adam talk with Steve Thorngate, associate editor of The Christian Century, about David Fincher’s 2010 movie, The Social Network. In the first segment, “Justification by Faith,” the group talks about facebook, ambition, and the creation myth of the tech geek. In the second segment, “Preaching to the Choir,” the group discusses the intersection of The Social Network and the lectionary texts for May 27th, 2018, Trinity Sunday, focusing on Isaiah’s heavenly vision, the themes of belonging in Romans 8, and the moral center of The Social Network. Finally, in the last segment, “Postludes,” Adam discusses a hidden moral problem that plagues our social media and Matt plays Tetris.