The OG Theology On Tap

Joe and Eric host special guest, Kipp Swinney, PhD, of Baylor University. In this episode we tangle with a complex issue. Does the Bible contain mythical stories? Must we read it in a way that accepts each narrative as an objective, historical, event written just as it happened? Could there be other ways to read Biblical narratives that honor a high view of the Bible? What if one accepts the idea that the Bible contains mythical stories? Does that invalidate the story of Jesus' resurrection and his claims for divinity that Christians accept as historical fact?

Joe and Eric are joined by special guest Bill Redmond. Bill is a devout Catholic and dropped by to discuss some of the theological differences between us. Many people have questions about the diverse views among Christian people wondering, "How can it be true if there are so many differing opinions?" That's a great question and one we wrestle with together. While we all hold the Bible in high esteem, Bill helps us out with a great turn of phrase. He asks whether we ought to be known first as, "People of the Person" rather than, "People of the Book."

Joe and Eric interview Pastor Ken Brown of Community Bible Church in Trenton, MI. Pastor Brown is the subject of a current article (June 2022) in The Atlantic entitled "How Politics Poisoned the Evangelical Church" authored by Tim Alberta. Brown offers his insight into this hot topic from his perspective of pastoring a Baptist church for over 20 years.

While there are people and places where one might hear a message that suicide is an unforgiveable sin, Joe and Eric dispel the myth that this is a doctrine of the church. We examine personal stories, current science of mental health, the story of Jesus, and Biblical teachings on the subject to offer hope in a dark situation. We believe this is one of our best episodes to date. Hope you find that true and can share this with those who need some of that hope.

Joe and Eric discuss a story about Aaron Rogers where he claims one reason he rejected the Christian faith was the doctrine of Hell.

The invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing political polarization in our own country are vivid reminders that Jesus' followers are called to be peacemakers. Joe and Eric discuss creating a Culture of Peace.

Joe and Eric record live from our newest location the Roll Street Tavern in Downtown Plymouth, MA. It's where we roll. In this episode we discuss the current news surrounding the recent resignation of Father Andres Arango from the Priesthood. He reportedly baptized children using words not included in the Catholic liturgy and therefore invalidating the baptisms he has preformed for the last 20 years according to Roman Catholic doctrine. In no way do we wish to be disrespectful of a conscientious person like Father Arango but the viral nature of the story compels us to discuss the subject of precision obedience. Is this what God has in mind when we are called to be obedient?

Eric and Joe are joined by live guest, Ryan Casavant. Ryan is the Veteran's Outreach Coordinator for the Home Base Program http://homebase.org. He is also the Chief Operations Officer for the Equine Immersion Project http://equineimmersionproject.com and he joins us to talk about the veteran's suicide crisis and how the local church can be a part of the collaborative solution - not just for veterans but for any individual who suffers with mental health concerns.

Joe and Eric are joined by special guest, Steven Thomas. Steven is the Director of Operations for the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to preserving the memories of the recipients of the Medal of Honor. In a follow-up to an earlier discussion about followers of Jesus and the subject of violence we interview Steven specifically about two devout Christians, Sgt. Alvin York a combatant and Pvt. Desmond Doss a pacifist. Each of these individuals recieved the Medal of Honor for their actions in combat though they carried out their mission in very different ways. You can visit the museum website at mohhc.org

Joe and Eric spend the evening discussing the hot topic of immigration and the treatment of those individuals by our culture and our church.

Joe and Eric are at a new venue, The New World Tavern in Plymouth, MA - America's Hometown. In this episode we discuss the challenge of Divine violence. Does God seek to end violence with violence?

Joe and Eric discuss the discovery of ancient artifacts and how they have influenced the reading of the Bible and particularly the Genesis account

Joe & Eric are joined by guests, Al & Lisa Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame. The conversation ranges from the subject of celebrity, to failure and redemption, to home spun day, and more.

Eric & Joe engage on the purpose of prayer. What if one devout Christian prays for Tom Brady and another devout Christian prays for Coach Belichick. Is God Team Brady or Team Bill?

Joe & Eric take on three of the most asked questions about the Christian faith. It's a lightning round with timed discussion.

Eric & Joe respectfully discuss a question about the origin of the term Jesus H. Christ. It might surprise you to learn it began in churches.

Joe & Eric have a free-ranging conversation about a book by Tom Holland, an atheist, who claims Christianity was the revolution that shaped the modern world. Holland makes a robust claim for the Christian faith and how it undergirds the our culture.

Joe & Eric are joined by special guest, NYT Best-Selling author, Casey Sherman. Among his books is "The Finest Hours" which became the hit Disney movie by the same name starring Chris Pine. It recounts the true events of Coast Guardsmen Bernie Webber and his crew as they accomplished what remains the largest single small boat rescue in the history of the United States. We discuss subjects of self-sacrifice, story craft, Webber's personal history, and more.

Eric & Joe are joined by special guest, Christine Parker, therapist and director of Porch Swing Ministries, an outreach to individuals and groups that have suffered abuse through churches and clergy.

Joe & Eric begin a discussion of abuse in the church

Joe & Eric are joined by special guest, Dr. John Fea of Messiah University. Dr. Fea is a Distinguished Professor of History, an author, podcaster, blogger, and frequent contributor with publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and others.

Joe and Eric are joined by special guest, Trip Jones, who has been investigating a move to Massachusetts to serve in ministry alongside Restoration Community Church. This would be a big cross-cultural move so the discussion is around cultural connection.

Joe & Eric wade into the conversation about what God is able, might be able, might not be able to do. This is an introduction to the subject of Open Theism and Arminianism. These views understand God's relationship to creation as one that involves human choice instead of a deterministic understanding. There's a lot of banter to start the show so if you want to get into the discussion and skip the fluff speed on past the first 10 minutes. We understand. Though, we enjoy sharing our lives with you and would love to have you tune into the whole thing.

Special guest, Sally Gary, joins Joe & Eric to talk about her new book, Affirming, and the organization she founded 15 years ago, CenterPeace. Sally courageously shares her personal experiences as a gay married Christian and her wealth of knowledge working with the LGBTQ community.

Special Guest Dr. Everett Huffard of Harding School of Theology joins Eric and Joe to discuss the current events in Israel.