Sunday School for Heathens

We’re back with a special episode! This one is all about spiritual communion. Bryan tells us why really wanting bread that makes you live forever is sometimes enough, particularly in these times when it is not safe to gather at church. Our saint is Saint Linwina, who stayed in bed for a very long time.

This week we are wrapping up the Song of Solomon. Bryan walks us through the many interpretations of this story and Shannon wonders why anyone would want this to be less sexy.  Our saint this week is Saint Marcarius the Younger, the hermit of all hermits.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This week we are starting a two part series on the sexiest book of the bible, The Song of Solomon. Bryan tells us about this unique book and outlines the story that this series of poems tells. Our saint is Saint Roch, whose life was saved by a dog.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This week we are talking about Liturgical Colors! Bryan takes us through the different colors of the liturgical calendar through history and we reveal what that has to do with our facebook page! Our saint is Saint Jean Baptiste De La Salle, a forward thinking educator! Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This week Bryan tells us the story of Samuel Seabury (yes, the guy from Hamilton) and the founding the Episcopal Church! We trace the history from Anglicans, through the colonies, and into the independent United States. Our saint this week is Saint Cecilia, who checks off  all the early female saint tropes. 

This week we are talking about Limbo! Bryan tells us the story of the two kinds of limbo and the controversy that had followed one of them through history. Our saint is Saint Adjutor of Vernon, who definitely would have owned a Yacht.    Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/  

This week we are talking about Angels! Bryan takes us through the nine types of angels, which range from slightly shiny people to constantly moving animal faced things. Our saint is Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerick, a woman with some dramatic health issues.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This is a special episode this week! We are talking about Abortion with Rev. Katey Zeh. She guides us through some biblical references used by both sides of the abortion debate, talks about it’s history as a political issue, and encourages everyone (Christian or not), to examine this issue for themselves. Our saint is Saint Germain Cousin, who lived in a cupboard under the stairs but definitely wasn’t Harry Potter. Check out Rev. Katey Zeh on Twitter @kateyzeh Go to her website https://kateyzeh.com/ for more information about her book, Women Rise Up and her podcast, Kindreds Learn more about the work of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice at http://rcrc.org/ and follow them on Twitter @RCRChoice Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

We are turning the tables this week and Shannon is taking over the episode! Listen as she makes her case to Bryan about why Hildegard should be the Patron Saint of Podcasts. Our actual patronage pop quiz this week is about Saint  Bernard of Clairvaux, who was so charismatic in his preaching, even his dad became a monk. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

We are wrapping up our two-parter on Confession this week! We pick up with the transition into individual confession all the way to the confession we know today. Bryan explains to Shannon what it’s like to go to confession. Our saint this week is Saint Fiacre,  who was basically monk Paul Bunyan.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

In this first half of a two part on confession, Bryan tells us a bible story and we start to trace the early history of confession from public to private. Our saint is this week is Saint Adrian of Adrian of Nicomedia, a dumb guy with a really cool wife. 

This week we are looking at bishops! Bryan walks us through the history of bishops in the Catholic Church and beyond, as well the roles of bishops in various denominations today. Our saint this week is Saint Blaise, who could talk to animals.

This week we are looking at differences in biblical translation! Bryan walks us through some different translations of the bible and then we compare one psalm in all three translations. Things get wild. Our saint is Saint Peregrine Laziosi who refused to sit for 30 years. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This week we are going on vacation! Specifically, we are going to Vacation Bible School! Bryan tells us all about the history of using summer breaks for christian education and also crafts! Our saint is Saint Julian whose life story reads like a play. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

It’s story time this week on Sunday School. Bryan is telling us all about the Book of Judith, a story full of war, gore, and a super badass lady. Our saint is another awesome lady, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This is the second half of our two-part series on the rosary. This week Bryan teaches us how to pray a rosary and tells us about all sorts of different kinds of rosaries and prayer beads. Our saint this week is Saint Romedio of Nonsberg, another saint who lived in a cave.     Check out Bryan on Different Drummers at https://youtu.be/uYP43_FROKw Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This is the first part of a two-parter all about the rosary. This week we cover the history of the rosary and its prayers. Our saints are Saints Francisco and Jacinta (plus their cousin Lucia) whose visions made them serious and austere. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/  

This week were are talking about Stylites! It all starts with a guy named Simeon who wanted to get further from people and closer to god, until eventually he ended up living on a pillar for the rest of his life. Our saint is Saint Frances of Rome, who dedicated her life to service with a some help from her friends. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This week we are talking about the Sign of Peace. This part of the service has different names and shows up in different places but it’s your chance to connect with your fellow church-goers and say “peace be with you.” Our saint is Saint Gummarus, who had a wife so mean she broke a tree. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

If you are afraid of snakes, this is NOT the episode for you because we are talking all about snake handling! Bryan tells us where in the Bible this idea comes from and highlights some of the key players in the history of this practice in America. Shannon meanwhile, brainstorms her dream pentecostal reality tv show. Our saint is Saint Phocus the Gardener, whose story takes a weird turn.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

This week we are talking all about the seven deadly sins. Bryan traces the history of lists of sins from before Christianity through Dante and beyond as we narrow down the list to these seven that we know so well. Our saint is Saint Dunston, who might have had an artistic streak. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/School4Heathens/

Today we are talking about Maundy Thursday and the practice of foot washing. We trace this practice from Jesus all the way to churches today and help solve the mystery of why everyone sat at the same side of the table at the Last Supper. Our saint is Blessed Andrew of Segni, a tall man in a small cave. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

We are turning the tables this week and Bryan gets to be the heathen! Our good friend (and actual bible scholar) Megan comes on the show to give her notes on fruit, God’s attitude, guys named John, and more! Our saint is Saint Brigid, who loved cows almost as much as Bryan. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

This week, Bryan takes Shannon on a field trip to experience praying with a labyrinth. We go over the history and practice of labyrinths before chatting about the experience each of them had trying this out in person. Our saint is Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, our first flying saint!   For more info on labyrinths in your area, check out https://labyrinthlocator.com/locate-a-labyrinth Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

You know what makes a great podcast episode? Talking about physical gestures! This week, Bryan covers the Sign of the Cross while Shannon stares at her hands. Our saint is Saint Gertrude, who came from a whole family of saints. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

We are back with the bible stories this week, talking about Lenten fasting. We hear about why the rule of three works great in bible stories, figure out how to count to 40, and try and guess what counts as fish. Our saint is Saint Dominic of Silos, who stayed at the bedside of Spanish queens long after he was dead. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens 

It’s the second of our two “Spot the Differences” episodes on Communion. This time we look at mainline Protestants and Evangelicals. Our saint (who isn’t actually a saint) is Blessed Columba, who once got kidnapped because she was so cool. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

20- It’s time for another “Spot the Differences” episode! This time it’s all about Communion. In this episode we cover the Communion practices of Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Eastern Catholics, and Mormons. Our saint is Saint Martin de Porres, a really great guy we’re glad exists. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

This week on Sunday School, we laugh through the stories of the Ark of the Covenant! In those stories we find flamethrowers, germ theory, and a really wild guy named Ron. Our saint is Saint Norbert who is probably missing some toes. Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

This week on Sunday School: Moses goes up and down a mountain over and over again, God plays interior designer, and the Israelites learn to be very afraid of clouds. Also Shannon counts a lot. Our saint is Saint Hildegard, a lady saint who did NOT die tragically young.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens 

It's story time on Sunday School as Bryan recounts the Parable of The Good Samaritan. As always, Shannon wants more detail. Our saint is Saint Sebaldus, a weather-appropriate saint.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

This episode answers one of Shannon's biggest questions: how do people know what bible passages are being read in church? Does it line up with holidays? Do you read in order? Is it the same everywhere? Find out this week! Our saint was Saint Lucy of Syracuse who was even more stubborn than an ox.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

Relics are the subject of the week! Find out about different degrees of relics, how relics have been used to start new churches, and the workaround to selling pieces of dead saints! Our saint is Saint Catherine of Siena, who had a really weird wedding ring.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

We are back with Part 2 of Creationism! This time we cover the different types of contemporary creationist beliefs. Our saint is Saint Dominic de Guzman, who was best buds with Saint Francis of Assisi.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

It's the first of another two parter. This time we are diving deep into creationism! In Part 1, we talk about the creation story (or rather stories, because there are two of them). Our saint is Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, who could be a real sass master if he thought you were too worldly.  Take Shannon's advice and follow Bryan on Twitter! @BryanJMatias Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

It's a new year and you could probably use a pep talk. So here is a biblical pep talk! The Letter to the Hebrews is full of brags about the Christian covenant but also mystery about its origin. Our saint is Saint Lawrence, who made a great BBQ dish (but not in the way you think).  This episode was a listener request! If you have one, tweet at us @school4heathens or email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Check out his show on January 16th! Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

It's a new year and the pledge drives are over. But that hasn't stopped us from talking about people asking for your money. This week we dive into the practice of Tithing, or giving 10%. Our saint is Saint Barbara, who had very strong opinions on window placement.  Theme Song: Adam Griffin- Check out his Comedy Rap Live Show January 16th at the Elbo Room in Chicago!  https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ https://bit.ly/2Ruo5Sj for Tickets! Logo: David Griffin Editing: Shannon Desmond Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

It's our 10th Episode and we are talking all about Saints! Wrap up 2018 with talk of martyrs, believers, and patrons of all kinds. Our saint is Saint Philomena, who everyone pretty much forgot about, but we love her anyway.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

Are we going to do a Christmas episode? Of course we are going to do a Christmas episode! This week Bryan brings us the story of the Three Wise Men at Jesus' birth. Were there actually three of them? Where did they come from? What were their names? Listen in to find out! Our saint is Saint Helena of Constantinople, who found so many relics.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

What do Mesmerism, Christian Science, and Donald Trump all have in common? They all come up in this week's episode of Sunday School for Heathens! Our saint is Saint Thomas More, who got a little too mixed up in the English reformation.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

This week on Sunday School, Bryan gives us the cliffs notes to Christianity as we cover the Nicene Creed! See how you can wrap up all these beliefs in just a few short phrases. Our saint is Saint Eulalia of Merida, who was a really precocious pre-teen.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens    

After last week's discussion of initiations, we are zooming in and focusing just on the sacrament of Confirmation. Our saint is Saint Anthony of Padua, who was so good at speaking that his tongue outlasted him.   Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens      

We are back with Part 2 of our Initiation series! This week we look protestant faiths: Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Evangelicals, and Mormons. We see lots of similarities and some key differences through all of these. Our saint is Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a Native American saint.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo: David Griffin Editing: Shannon Desmond Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

This week it's time for a couple of firsts!  Bryan brings us our first "Spot the Differences" episode, where we compare one idea across a whole bunch of denominations. The idea this week is the Rites of Initiation! We had such a good conversation we are splitting it up across two episodes, so this week we talk about Catholics and The Orthodox Church and next week we'll get everyone else! Our saint is Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who converted people with the power of debate.    Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo: David Griffin Editing: Shannon Desmond Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

This week we are keeping it light with some very important stories from Jesus' days as a party boy! We learn just how cool Mary was and ponder some historical geography. Our saint is Saint Francis de Sales, a friend to the deaf community.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo: David Griffin Editing: Shannon Desmond Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens

This week on Sunday School: Shannon tells Bryan all about the Papal Ninja and Bryan tells Shannon all about Onanism, or masturbation! Our saint is Saint Walter of Pontoise, who really just wanted some alone time.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo: David Griffin Editing: Shannon Desmond Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens  

It's our first episode! So we are starting with the sin that started it all. Our saint is Saint Augustine, who went through a serious party-boy phase.  Theme song: Adam Griffin https://alteringgravity.wordpress.com/ Logo and Editing: David Griffin Email us at sundayschoolforheathens@gmail.com Tweet at us @school4heathens