The Zeitcast with Jonathan Martin

One of my favorite conversations on or off mic with anybody any time--it is pure joy to welcome adrienne maree brown--an absolute force of a writer/public intellectual/creative genius, one of the thinkers who energizes me most, and makes me feel most hopeful about the future. This conversation has everything: from Kendrick (and the constructive implications of Drake being "called in!"), to the Neverending Story, to what it means for her to be "steeped in God/steeped in the holy," her journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing to the wide open spaces she is in now, to the essential soul to soul recognition we can have that transcends the boundaries of mere words, and how she finds a way to remain tender in a time that feels anything, but. In a moment that feels bleak for many of our friends, her clear-eyed assessment of this apocalyptic time--and yet absolute fearlessness about it, is oxygen, an invitation to the kind of "long time" she finds in nature and her own connection to a larger story. I was especially excited to talk to her too, about how her work in her brilliant new book Loving Corrections has helped me find language for naming our need for acknowledging harm and making amends, without the moralistic baggage that religious versions of those ideas sometimes carry. You may know her from books like Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, We Will Not Cancel Us, or from her hilarious and poignant IG posts, or have heard her in conversation with folks we love like Glennon Doyle and Krista Tippett. She is "growing a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work." However you know her, I hope you know her or get to know her better, and contend with her critical witness . What a gift this stunning conversation is! It has been a minute from my brief holiday/winter term hibernation, but we are back with a bang, with a lot more goodness to come in the days ahead...I know you will find this as life-giving as I did!

What was supposed to be a conversation about Advent, turned into the kind of surprise that Advent portends—where the strange wonderful thing that you didn't know that you needed, just kind of happens to you out of nowhere. A vulnerable conversation between friends still not entirely sure what they want to be when they grow up about aging, creativity, what we want to do with what we still have left in the tank, the second half of life….and yes, ultimately, Advent too. We hope you enjoy this minor Christmas miracle of a conversation with our friend Scott Erickson, an artist, author, and performance speaker who is creating a visual vocabulary for the spiritual journey.

Today is our first full on TYPECAST! Answering questions submitted via our website, and this first round of questions is FANTASTIC. Really all questions about life on the "other side"/reconstruction today--after loss of faith/trauma/shift in faith, how do you approach Scripture now? How might the text become re-enchanted again? How do you find a new community, exactly? Oh, and in the evolving landscape of Pentecostalism, are there actually inclusive communities out there? We get into all of this and more!

Yes we did simply mash up the respective titles of BZ and Jonathan's Advent books, lol! Some things just go together, like Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly, Laurel and Hardy--as much as they both love Advent, how could it be too soon for another collab?! In a conversation that will absolutely get you in the Advent spirit, Brian and Jonathan explore Advent themes of hope, waiting, and the significance of the church calendar. They talk about how the harsh realities of the little town of Bethlehem shape the contours of the story, then and now, and why we need more Mary in our lives. They emphasize the non-prescriptive nature of Advent as a time to wait for God to act, not for us to "act right"/do more. They also talk about the tension between longing as Advent is a time to fully acknowledge the ways the world is not yet made right, and yet also how it is a time to make space for joy. Oh and course, they also talk about Nick Cave and Bob Dylan. Both Brian's book The Anticipated Christ and Jonathan's The Book of Waiting, are available now!

Whatever it is, you're waiting on, however long you've been waiting…Advent is for you. Here is a jarring, startling word that summons us to wake up, pay attention…to be alert. We talk about the apocalyptic nature of Advent, and the danger of religious certainty. Also, some practical things you can do to incorporate Advent into your own spiritual practice! Oh come let us wait for him…together.

Rolling Stone said that "Brandan Robertson is spreading the good news of an inclusive, modern gospel.” Jonathan has known Brandan all the way since he was still a student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago over ten years ago, so what a gift to have this full circle conversation! Brandan and Jonathan talk about why the language of sin still matters despite the misuse, what it means to build bridges in such a polarizing time, and the stubborn persistence of Advent hope against the backdrop of so much chaos in the world. Brandan shares vulnerably about his theological journey from fundamentalism, to being broken open by figures like Richard Rohr, to the recent experience of having a parishioner tell him that he didn't think it was okay for him to be a gay pastor. Brandan also talks about how he deals pastorally and theologically with some of the "clobber texts" that are used against LGBTQ+ inclusion. Brandan is the author of True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace, and known as the "TikTok Pastor" for his inclusive theological content, reaching over 280,000 followers online. He currently serves as the Pastor of Sunnyside Reformed Church in New York City.

There's a new U2 album (kind of, the shadow album that is How to Re-assemble an atomic bomb), so as you might imagine...Jonathan is in a state! It's a whole situation. Also, Cobra Kai, pop culture round up (What We Do in the Shadows, The Bulwark podcast), and The Book of Waiting

"Prophetic" and "pastoral" rarely go together...but they do in Rev. CeCe Jones Davis, which is why THIS is the two weeks later, spiritual postmortem of the election you need in your life! CeCe and Jonathan discuss the challenges of navigating relationships in a divided world and the role of racism and LGBTQIA issues in political discourse. CeCe emphasizes the importance of understanding fear as a driving force in politics, and vulnerably shares why she both decided NOT to vote in this year's presidential election---and then, why she changed her mind. They discuss the challenges of staying engaged with current events while maintaining personal well-being, the significance of accountability in one's vocation, and the necessity of humor in the face of adversity. Cece shares her experiences and insights on how to balance the heaviness of social justice work with the need for personal joy and connection with family. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on maintaining a steadiness of soul amidst turbulence, advocating for a proactive yet patient approach to spiritual engagement.

The systems and structures and institutions that have held us up are crumbling. There's no need to bury our heads in the sand. Things do come to an end. But other folks have lived through such perilous times. In fact, some of the texts that folks have told us are all about the future, are actually now in the rear view window of history. We can look at how folks have lived in such times before, to know where and how to stand now. We can learn what is to not be paralyzed by the chaos, but bear witness—to not overthink it, but trust the creativity of the Spirit to give us what to say when we are called on the carpet.You can't bear the weight of the world on your shoulders, friend…the only thing you can bear, is to bear witness.

What on earth does it mean to worship in a time like this!? What does it mean to worship when it feels like the world (and maybe even the church) is ambiguous to you, or even against you? Why is it that some of our neighbors feel a unique kind of grief this election season? How are current political realities connected to larger spiritual realities--and how do we differentiate between these principalities and powers, and our neighbors? Oh and hey, for those of you are involved in any kind of ministry--how would you begin to LEAD a church or community in worship, when there are deep idealogical and political division? After a truly stunning time of worship with Lan Davis Wilson, I was scarcely able to speak coherently yet--but very grateful for this beautiful conversation coming right out of the fire of that experience!

I don't really have the words to name the electricity, joy and pain that we felt in the room at Gobin Church during this time of prayer through song with Rev. Lan Davis Wilson. I'd rather you feel it for yourself--feel it through your headphones, feel it through your car stereo, feel it through a tiny phone or a laptop. It is an absolute lightning bolt of Holy Ghost power, wrapping up all heartbreak, rage and stubborn hope into an hour that quite literally, left every single one of us sitting in stunned silence when it was over. There is so much room in these songs...room, for ALL OF IT. If you are trying to figure out what role worship has in your life, in your work of faithful resistance; if you are sad or happy or completely ambiguous, if you need comfort or if you need fuel for the fire, if you have a pulse or breath at all...this is for you. Personally, I can tell you I wept through just about every moment of this. Drink it up, let the music nourish you, and if you feel so inclined, send it to somebody who needs this kind of soulful encouragement in their life right now. Warmly, Jonathan

Rev. Benjamin Kremer joins us for a very special Zeitcast, in which he and Jonathan rank the five Bible verses that are the most misused right now, and what's wrong with the whole Trump/King David thing! Along the way, they also talk about the ongoing critique of the prophets over against the kings in the Hebrew Bible, how Jesus fits into that critique, and why it is that even the most liberating texts can be used in the most oppressive ways; as well as what's really going on with Romans 13, and why they are passionate about the essential message of the Book of Revelation (despite all the ways it has been used for harm). This is lively, fire-breathing conversation that will challenge your mind, and hopefully renew your soul!

Well this turned into a WHOLE THING! I don't know quite how to capture the way that Jarrod McKenna sharing from his own experience preaching in Perth, Australia (13 hours ahead of Greencastle, Indiana) and my experience in rural Indiana turned into a stunningly coherent vision—with Jarrod doing a revolutionary riff on three trees of Scripture, and my rediscovery of the story of the widow's offering in Mark's gospel as a source of liberation. But boy, you've gotta hear it. We desperately need clarity right now in this deeply Christian work of resistance, but we aren't going to have it so long as we still have planks in our eyes—and Jarrod beautifully helps us see where the planks are, inviting us into a place where God can renew our vision (for ourselves & others) in a way that makes transformation possible.

We are committed to trying to bring the wisest guides we know to help you navigate this very particular moment--and Dr. Drew G.I. Hart is one of the clearest, most insightful prophetic voices we know! Such a tender, pastoral soul, who speaks with such clarity and fierce prophetic fire. In this conversation, Jonathan and Dr. Hart discuss the role of black church as a resource for engagement and resistance, the unique intersection of anabaptist and black church tradition that Dr. Hart occupies, and the challenge of disentangling faith from toxic political identities. They critique the notion of Christianity as a kind of centrism, over against the radical alternative that is Jesus/the way of Jesus--which must be lived out as public prophetic witness. They also discuss the ways that realistically a kind of prosperity theology is baked into the very bones of America. It's a clear critique, but also ultimately a hopeful, constructive, energizing conversation--without calling us to simply bury our collective heads in the sand.

In this post-election breakdown, Jonathan and Jarrod discuss the highlights the need for prophetic voices, particularly from the Black church, in advocating for social change and justice. They address the challenges of navigating spirituality and activism, the significance of community support, and the necessity of both prayer and action in the face of adversity. Then Jonathan explores the narrative of the Hebrew prophet Elisha from 2 Kings 6 as a framework to explore themes of fear and divine perspective on this current political moment. He emphasizes the importance of seeing beyond immediate circumstances, recognizing the divine presence in our lives, and understanding that our freedom is interconnected with the freedom of others. The story of Elisha illumines for us the call not to stand in the ambivalent middle, but the vulnerable in-between, revealing the power of self-giving, self-sacrificial love--the kind of love that can liberate both the oppressed and the oppressors.

This is another emergency election edition of the Zeitcast--because I cannot sit on this conversation for five seconds knowing how central immigration is to the choices Americans are making this week--and how central immigration will continue to be long after this week is over. Zeke Hernandez' book The Truth about Immigration is a REVELATION. I wish I could buy one for every single one of you, I wish it were required reading for every person in public life who is providing any commentary around immigration at all. We have all heard rhetoric about immigrants either as victims in need of our saving or of villains that we are in need of saving from. What if the truth is "that immigrants are net positives contributors to everything that makes a society successful?" The truth is that most of us have vague assumptions based on anecdotal stories we've heard or read about immigrants. But data/facts are not partisan, and this should not ultimately be a partisan issue. What if the story the facts actually tell are that we are actually SAFER with more immigration than with less? It is true that we have a deeply broken immigration system in the U.S., and spoiler alert--neither party on the whole is addressing the foundational issues that underwrite the problem. But how much closer could we get to the truth about such things, if we had the resources to sort fact from fiction? Perhaps the most buried truth of them all, is that even with real problems around illegal immigration, whether immigrants are legal or illegal they STILL contribute overwhelmingly positively to the U.S. economy, categorically. Professor Hernandez helps us reckon with the empirical data surrounding immigration, reframing immigration as a matter of self-interest, rather than around either fear or charity. This is a deeply important conversation for every citizen, but especially for people of faith. We wrangle honestly with the tough questions, en route to the truth that on some level we are always circling around--that all hope is local, and the way we can make a difference here ultimately will be made in real life in our real communities with real neighbors. But in order to love our neighbors, surely we must first stop believing lies about them, and bearing false witness against them? I humbly ask that you share this one broadly, and shout it from the housetops if you can.

This conversation is pure exhilaration! Dr. Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist, the pioneer of "neurotheology," and one of the world's leading researchers exploring the relationship between neuroscience and spirituality. His research includes taking brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, in an attempt to better understand the nature of religious and spiritual experiences. His books include the recent Sex, God and the Brain, How God Changes the Brain, and Neurotheology: How Science can Enlighten Us About Spirituality. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Newberg discusses the intricate relationship between brain function, spirituality, and sexuality. He explores how various mental states, including religious experiences and sexual intimacy, activate different areas of the brain. The dialogue delves into Newberg's journey from neuroscience to neurotheology, and the role of rituals and myths in shaping beliefs--emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to understanding spirituality and its impact on human experience. Along the way, Dr. Newberg and Jonathan Martin explore the connection between sex and speaking in tongues (!), how liturgical practices may be similar to experiences of ecstatic prayer, the vulnerability that can lead us into transformation (and danger), and the evolutionary roots of social hierarchies. The conversation also explores the impact of belief systems on political polarization, and the role of algorithms in shaping our perspectives. Finally, they reflect on the neurological effects of various spiritual practices, and the importance of finding personal paths to connection and understanding. A revolutionary conversation with one of our great minds--who also turns out to be super warm, engaging, open and curious--we think this is one of our most exciting Zeitcasts yet, and hope it will be as revelatory and wonder-inducing for you, as it has been for us!

During this time that I know is very high stakes and thus can be high anxiety for some of us, I specifically wanted to post a couple of resources that would be good for your SOUL--for those moments when you need a bit of shelter from the storm. The conversation I just had with Carlos Rodriguez is monumental, and I hope you will watch/listen to that one if you have not already...but he also preached SUCH a clarifying word for our friends at Simplicity Church (highly recommended if you are ever near Edmond, OK), that I know I needed to hear. Hence the title, "clarity, not certainty." What a mantra for the moment we are in! I especially love it because Carlos speaks not only with great passion, but great humility, taking us on a vulnerable journey with him, rather than calling us up to join him on some kind of mountaintop. He shares his own personal road to identity, family, and belonging, reflecting on his experiences of therapy, and sharing the transformative journey of founding The Happy Givers NGO. It is a brave and beautiful call for action, repentance, and a commitment to serving others, particularly in the context of systemic issues faced by marginalized communities. What a tremendous human and friend--I hope this sermon speaks to your soul as much as it did mine. Warmly, Jonathan

During this high intensity, and for many of us, high anxiety moment, I felt like I specifically needed to post some resources this week that might provide a sense of soul, solace and refuge in the midst of all the chaos. To love the world is to engage it for the sake of social change; but you also need to stop for gas--you know? So this one is an actual bona fide sermon to our wonderful friends at Simplicity Church in Emond, OK; a little break in the format from what we've been doing. It's a sermon from the beautiful and sometimes baffling ancient wisdom book known as Job, one of those universal meta stories that seems to run beneath all the rest of our stories. It's a wild ride--for Job, as it's a wild ride for us to be in these bodies, in this world, in this time and space, being human and being alive/being awake. Here you will find some tongue in cheek mischief-making dunking on the Book of Proverbs (hey it's great; and I believe it's mysteriously inspired by the Spirit and all the things...and also hot take decisively NOT the "wisest book in the Bible," get out of here with that, LOL! It's a broad critique of how perhaps most of our theology in America is in fact prosperity theology (whether or not you are in or outside of the church). It's a tribute to the late great Gustavo Guterriez. It's a challenge to move beyond the confines of reward/punishment and merit/demerit, to run free into the wide open fields (which also happen to be WILD open fields). As I heard some Irish guy say it one time, "blessings not just for the ones who kneel, luckily." Sincerely, Jonathan

r. Andrew Whitehead (author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel & Threatens the Church and Taking America Back for God) is America's leading expert on Christian nationalism--so we couldn't think of a better guest to help us put the wildness of this election in a broader context! Andrew and Jonathan explore the complex intersections of Christian nationalism, race, and politics in the current American landscape, the threats posed by authoritarianism, and the potential for changing minds through empathy and storytelling. They also discuss how Christian nationalism predisposes individuals to support dictatorial leaders. This is an absolutely critical conversation to help keep us sane in the days ahead!

You've heard a lot about Puerto Rico lately--what a time to talk our friend Carlos Rodriguez (founder of the Happy Givers NGO and Author of Drop the Stones), on his final ministry trip to America! The gloves are off, the inhibitions are down, and the fire is falling. In this barnburner of a conversation, Carlos and Jonathan explore their parallel journeys within the Pentecostal/charismatic church, to whatever it is they are doing now--how they have grown and shifted theologically, and what it means to go from being the young upstarts, to the generational shift of becoming "elders" themselves. This is our deepest dive conversation yet into the horrors unfolding in Gaza (from Carlos' unique perspective as a Puerto Rican living in a colony), as they talk about how to support Palestinian Christians/Palestinians in general--while taking seriously the fact that both Jewish and Palestinian people exist on the margins in America. Carlos and Jonathan talk about the narrative of who is most oppressed shifts as the world evolves and changes, and how Christians must shift accordingly. Provocatively in this election season, they talk about how America's choice for President effects some of our friends domestically in profound ways...while the policy options the candidates represent may not appear all that different to some of our friends internationally. This conversation is wide open, unfiltered, and most of all, an undomesticated invitation to follow the Spirit out of a world driven by profit, into community and human connection!

This is a time full of anxiety for many of us...maybe an ideal time to revisit prayer? In this vulnerable, funny, wide open conversation, Jonathan and Savannah talk about their current experience of prayer, the value of liturgy in prayer vs. spontaneity, the role of visuals in prayer, and how they are finding a sense of connection with the divine, now. Jonathan talks about the way ADHD affects the way he communicates to God (and everyone else), and reflects on Savannah's "non-angsty way" of thinking about prayer. They also talk about how perfectly natural it is to simultaneously pray while wondering whether or not any of it is true at all; the moments that ground them again in wonder, and the reason we need the physical embodied presence of real people in our lives, to make the presence of God tangible.

In this conversation, Dr. Jared Stacy and Jonathan Martin explore misinformation, disinformation and white evangelicalism. Dr. Stacy shares his very personal journey of leaving pastoral work in the wake of seeing his own community embrace propaganda and disinformation in the aftermath of January 6th. In his work as a theologian and ethicist, he has been on a long journey to understand the way white evangelicalism has been hijacked by MAGA ideology. They explore questions of race, power and privilege, and the need for ongoing work of discernment in a digital age.

What you are about to see is a wild and sacred thing. Without hyperbole, I truly believe your life is about to change to watch/hear this. The conversation started really happening before we intended to really start recording, so you are dropped right into the thick of it because that is just how it actually happened, no intro. Also you aren't ready...for the HIGHLY UNLIKELY DUET, LOL! If this moves you to the core as it did me, I hope you will consider sharing this one...I believe in everything that happened/is happening here so hard, I want to go door-to-door with this. Multiple times Russ Taff prefaced something with, “I've never told this before…,” & this whole time had THAT energy. The words in my head driving away were “dripping with God.” “Don't meet your heroes,” you say? How about recording with your hero for 2.5 hours in a revelatory, startling conversation, equal parts laughter & tears? Fierce & tender + brute force & frailty + Holy Ghost power has always been Russ Taff's sound. He's the greatest gospel singer of all-time (it's not close), precisely because there is a whole story within the sound, terror & ecstatic joy, agony & freedom, death & resurrection—all in one electric current. Now, he tells the stories between the notes. We talked about how songs like “we will stand” and “praise the Lord” AND the cover from his forthcoming album of The National's “Demons” (“when I walk into a room I do not light it up…I stay down with my demons”) all come from the same place; & about what it meant to grow up in the home of an alcoholic Pentecostal preacher, born into all that thunder. We talked about addiction & relapse. We talked about the day a pastor dying of cancer, eerily a spitting image of his father, held Russ' head to his chest, stroked his hair, & spoke the blessing over a weathered son that his father couldn't give, while he sobbed away the weight of years. I glimpsed the way he represents other fathers now, literally giving that same blessing now to beaten down children of the church who never imagined they'd get that tenderness, authenticity & affirmation—and was almost crushed by the holiness of it. You'll think I'm just talking that talk until you watch/hear this. It's devastating, annihilating, will take you apart & put you back together again. I'm not telling you this conversation will be a thing; it IS a thing. Bono-like rock & roll swagger & Father Rohr-like humility…I mean come on, it's Russ freaking Taff. --Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin shares an original piece of short fiction, "God loves monsters." Through the fictional narrative of a boy named Jake, we are provoked to take a look at the monsters we see in the mirror, and the monsters we see in the world. What does it change for us, if God doesn't have an adversarial relationship with the monsters? What would we do with the kind of God who makes monsters into pets...and maybe even, friends? From Jake's story, you are invited to reflect on your own story, and obscure texts about ancient monsters in the Hebrew Bible. You may find that the spookiest thing about this monster story shared a little before Halloween, is that you might actually find yourself in it.

In this heartfelt episode of the Zeitcast Jonathan and Kingston share thoughts on God, heaven, and the importance of kindness in navigating disagreements. They also talk about the 'sad box' as a place to process hard feelings, and how God touches Kingston sometimes when he is sad.

Jonathan Martin explores the themes of suffering, divine guidance, and the significance of smallness through the lens of the Book of Job. In a world in which so much of our technology tells us "you're really, really big;" the message embedded in nature itself that "you are really, really small" is a liberating word. Sometimes your problems don't get smaller, until you do. While we are assigned infinite worth, destinies don't sit on our shoulders. Ultimately this is an invitation to trust in the goodness of God, and stop having to be in charge...yielding to the voice that tells you, "you don't have to carry it anymore."

In this episode, Jonathan Martin reflects on recent conversations that have deeply impacted him, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of evil, the power of faith, and the need to resist fear, with love. He discusses the distinction between the sound of God and the sound of accusation, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity as beloved and to build communities of hope amidst chaos--"an ark of hope." Because this is the Zeitcast...he does this through recapping his experience of watching the film The First Omen, finding in it a far too on the nose description of the way the Church has capitulated to evil in our time--choosing the way of fear over the way of faith.

It feels impossible to overstate just how strongly we feel about this one. In an especially vulnerable conversation, Lauren Barnett and Jonathan Martin talk death, disinformation, and revival. In the wake of the recent loss of Lauren's mother, we are invited to consider that the stakes of how we discern/commute/transmit information, may ACTUALLY be life and death. This conversation wanders onto very sacred ground...and yet is somehow, really, really funny!? Lauren shares from her experience of grief, honoring the legacy of her mother, while calling into question the impact of alt media on mental health and spirituality, the emotional toll of civic engagement, and the role of algorithms in creating division--particularly how they affect our elders. Along the way, they talk about Lauren's experience coming up in Jonathan's youth group (better known now as Steph Curry's youth group, ha) and later the church he led; as well as her crucial work with the Expectations Project, the challenges facing public education, and the pervasive influence of misinformation and Christian nationalism. What more could you ask from one conversation? Seriously, we think to watch/hear this one...is to be altered.

In this conversation, Brian Zahnd and Jonathan Martin explore the intersection of faith, misinformation, and political engagement within Christianity. They discuss the implications of eschatology on Christian belief, and the importance of love and compassion in political discourse. Zahnd emphasizes the need for a more profound understanding of the cross and God's nature, while also addressing the challenges of racism during a volatile election season. The conversation culminates in a reflection on how eschatology shapes the narrative of faith, and the call for Christians to embody joy and love amidst societal challenges. Along the way, they talk about reinterpreting Revelation, their own personal conversion experiences, and rethinking of hell and salvation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of scaffolding during/after the deconstruction process, and the need for a deeper experience of faith that transcends destructive dogmas.This is truly overhearing an intimate conversation between friends. We are especially grateful that Brian gave us an exclusive inside peek to some of the writing he's working on now, that hasn't been shared anywhere else before now!

Reality has never felt stranger, and the response for many of us then is to grasp desperately for something or someone to hold on to. But it is precisely that desire for control, that can lead us to some really dark places. Today's Zeitcast contrasts different spiritual approaches, advocating for a faith that encourages curiosity and compassion rather than certainty and outrage. We consider the role of knowledge in spirituality, the struggle for certainty in uncertain times, and the paradox of holding on versus letting go. Ultimately, this is an invitation to surrender control and trust in a reality larger than themselves.

What is evil, and how does evil work in the world? “The prince of the power of the air” in the Christian New Testament, “Ha-Satan” (the accuser) in the Hebrew Bible, give us crucial glimpses into the nature of evil. How do we tell the difference between truth & lies, between fact and fiction? OH, and for those of us who are trying to figure out how to escape beliefs and ideas that have been toxic for us-how do we find enough scaffolding to make sure we don't just now get caught up in something worse?! We explore the overwhelming nature of misinformation and disinformation in today's society, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. We delve into the concept of evil, drawing connections between ancient texts and modern experiences of self-destruction and identity crises. The discussion highlights the power of accusation and scapegoating, the struggle for self-identity amidst external influences, and the quest for truth in a chaotic world filled with conflicting voices. We also talk about identity, and the journey of deconstruction and reconstruction of faith. Ultimately we advocate for the need for spiritual scaffolding to support personal growth and understanding, ultimately leading to the realization of one's identity as God's beloved.

On this week's four weeks for Friday: the debut of Typecast (!), where I respond to listener questions; a rundown of what I am watching, listening to, and reading this week (including: the new Netflix film It's What's Inside, revisiting Stephen King's Storm of the Century, Coldplay's Moon Music, The Bulwark conversation with Timothy Snyder this week on "the Politics of Impotence," Slow Burn's great new season on "The Rise of Fox News," and a searing new piece in the Atlantic, "Seventy Miles in the Darien Gap," by Cailtin Dickerson. Let me know what you are into this week in the comments! This week's Typecast is a response to Mike Skinner, who asked me: "from your personal and pastoral experience, what are two or three theological truths that are commonly shared with folks who are struggling to find and hold onto hope that are both overrated and underrated in their power and ability to help and encourage?" Such a great (multi-part) question! I will look forward to reading more of yours!

Who told you the middle was the right place to be? Was it God? Does it feel holy to be a little above the fray, a little detached? It is one thing to see the world from an aerial point of view (like say, we saw in our reflections on Revelation), but another thing to see the world from out the window from a private plane. Today we challenge the notion of "middle ground," advocating instead for a deeper understanding of grace and truth. This is an invitation to recognize one's position of power and shatter the illusion of powerlessness, urging listeners to embrace vulnerability and take action in the prophetic in-between space. Along the way, we talk U2's Bullet the Blue Sky, racially charged rhetoric in the Trump era, faithful politics, the prophet Elisha, and Jonathan's theological mentor, Stanley Hauerwas

This is a very personal journey of faith, exploring themes of judgment, relationships, and sexuality, and ultimately an invitation to trust the transformative power of God's love.

John Wesley preached in fields, so this is in the water where I come from. From a really sacred experience out at the Ames' farm in Fillmore, Indiana for Ethan's Legacy Project, comes a sermon about how we might theologically grap with the heaviest things--divorce, death, and suicide--in light of God revealed in Christ who is always available to the vulnerable. Raw, provocative, and inclusive of everything from abortion to finding life on the other side of dying, this is a sweeping talk...and a tender invitation to allow your own wounds to become a source of healing for the people around you.

It's Friday, and we are live on the Zeicast...let's go! Today: 1) a short new piece 2) The Vice Presidential Debate between Governor Tim Walz and J.D. Vance 3) pop culture corner, featuring two new franchises on HBO/Max--The Penguin and Salem's Lot 4) state of the podcast, and what's coming next--announcing the Typecast!

Even when our traditions may look externally very different, the shape of our journeys of finding faith (and losing...and maybe finding again), are remarkably similar! In this conversation, Will James shares vulnerably about his experience through the Seventh-Day Adventist. They delve deep into the teachings of Ellen White, the nature of truth, the relationship between scientific understanding and belief systems, the significance of the Sabbath, and the impact of parenting on belief systems. They also touch on the evolution of understanding God, the importance of community, and the journey of self-discovery as they navigate their spiritual paths. It's a wild ride, and a very particular account of a faith journey...that we somehow think might yet somehow sound a whole lot like your own.

In this conversation, Amy Hawk and Jonathan Martin discuss disillusionment with evangelicalism, in the context of widespread Trump support. Amy shares her personal spiritual journey, the impact of the quest for political power on faith, and the metaphor of Judas' betrayal as it relates to the church's alignment with Trump. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrity and truth in faith, and the need for Christians to (in the language of New Testament scripture) "discern the spirits" influencing their beliefs and actions.

Have you been intimidated by the Book of Revelation? Or terrorized or traumatized by it? Does it seem to be within the realm of some sort of strange "expertise" that you either don't feel like you have, or wouldn't want to have given the takes people have on all of this? While not comprehensive, this is my absolute best shot at giving you some handles on how this apocalyptic book functions, what it's about, and how it connects to the world we are living in now. It may challenge you; but hopefully it might also make you feel like you are getting Revelation "back" as the source of hope and healing it was intended to be (albeit a strange comforter at times. We explore the complexities and profound themes of the Book of Revelation, emphasizing its relevance and accessibility. We consider the importance of understanding Revelation through the lens of Jesus Christ as He appears in the gospels, the implications of misinterpretation, and the significance of key symbols and narratives within the text. Ultimately I argue for a perspective on Revelation as a story of hope, healing, and the final triumph of love over violence...a story you are called to participate in. The end of Revelation is the "end" of Scripture, the conclusion of all the other "revelations"--mercy triumphs over judgment.

"Turn or burn." There may be some turns we need to make, but what if even those who turn...still burn? In this conversation, Jonathan Martin explores the themes of transformation, judgment, and the nature of God through the lens of the Christian gospel. He challenges the notion of 'turn or burn' by emphasizing that everyone will experience a form of burning, which can lead to purification and renewal. Martin discusses the weight of responsibility towards vulnerable individuals, and the healing nature of God's fire. He invites listeners to embrace the transformative journey of faith, recognizing the need for introspection and the acceptance of truth as a path to spiritual growth.

In this episode of the Zeitcast, we explore the art of listening to one's life as a spiritual practice--being present to the everyday moments that shape our existence, and the divine messages that can be found within them. You can learn how to connect your own experiences, both with each other, and to the broader story that is the communion of saints, integrating faith with the richesof culture and community. This conversation culminates in a prayerful invitation to recognize the grace in our lives, and to actively listen to the stories they tell. Takeaways: Listening to your life is essential for spiritual growth. All moments in life are significant and filled with grace. Holiness is about integration and wholeness, not perfection. God communicates through our everyday experiences. The communion of saints provides support and inspiration. Personal experiences shape our understanding of the divine. We have the authority to interpret our own lives. Listening to our lives can reveal deeper truths. Finding joy and playfulness in our spiritual practices is important.

Whether you are new to prayer, or trying to figure out where prayer fits into your life now… here are some basic practices that work for me. Let's not just talk about it…let's pray!

Welcome to the very first Zeitcast live: daily reflections! the questions we are afraid to ask, the questions we don't ask simply because we are no longer curious; J.D. Vance, Haitian immigrants, and Springfield, OH; NC Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, and a little reflection on my time at The Atlantic Fest, a remarkable show with our friend Brittney Spencer...and a very unexpected Kings of Leon concert! #thezeitcast #theology #spirituality #christianity #christian #Jesus #jdvance #trump #donaldtrump #trumpism #election2024 #brittneyspencer #markrobinson #kingsofleon #TAF24

Savannah Locke joins Jonathan for a vulnerable and hilarious conversation, drawing insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "After 10 Years," and discuss how faith demands that we trust others and work towards a better future. (Also, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Perry Stone, and Eric Metaxas may or may not catch some strays) We explore the challenge of navigating contrasting communities and the importance of seeing the goodness in people despite political differences. There are some really poignant moments here, from Savannah talking about forgiving Donald Trump, to her experience of witnessing a suicide--illuminating the way that proximity to death and evil, clarifies and simplifies things. Ultimately, this is an invitation to build bridges to the future, whether or not we get to the future ourselves, as call to Christian witness (but it's also just a really, really good time!).

In this conversation, Jonathan and Nicole talk about the current election cycle, Kamala Harris, JD Vance, and childless cat ladies! They explore themes of political strategy, hope and joy, disinformation, anti-intellectualism, and the co-opting of religious groups. Ultimately, the conversation explores the dangers of Christian nationalism and the need for followers of Jesus to engage responsibly in the world. They emphasize the need for a deeper grounding in the way of Jesus, which is characterized by self-sacrifice, love, and humility--encouraging Christians to resist the culture war mentality, and instead focus on loving their neighbors and advocating for the vulnerable. #kamalaharris #jdvance #donaldtrump #election2024 #theology #spirituality #christianity #christian #fascism #christiannationalism #republican #democrat #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity

Exploring fear, punishment, and the concept of hell faith and moral development. Also the connection between rock and roll and Pentecostal worship, highlighting the shared energy and ecstasy…and the lives of Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart—two famous cousins who both grappled with “hellfire” in their own ways. How do fear-based beliefs contribute to destructive behavior, and affect moral development and the ability to love others. Basically another day in the office

A word to the spiritual “undecideds.” It's confusing to know how to navigate conflicting narratives around religion, eschatology, antisemitism, and the horror that's happening to our Palestinian siblings. What might it look like to clear your head of all the scripts that tell you how the world must become, so you actually begin to take responsibility for the world you are helping to create? #israel #palestine #theology #eschatology #christianity #jesus #spirituality #thezeitcast #margaretgaines #interfaith #pentecostal #pentecostaltheology

BZ waxes philosophical...also, don't miss the lovely q and a on the back half!

As DePauw's historic Mendenhall lecture comes from within the Christian tradition, we believe this is a crucial time for faith communities to reflect critically about how theology shapes the way we actually live in the world. This one-night symposium will explore the phenomenon of Christian nationalism, particularly in American history and culture. Some of the questions we will consider include: How is Christian nationalism defined and invoked in our public discourse? What is the role of Christian nationalism in public life and polity right now (deep into an election year)? Is Christian nationalism primarily a theological identity, or a political one? How does Christian nationalism challenge the ideal of pluralistic democracy? How are people drawn to Christian nationalism, and how do those who are not talk across the divide? How do questions of race and ethnicity factor into the conversation? Andre Henry is an award-winning singer-songwriter, the bestselling author of All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep, a trusted global voice on nonviolent struggle for social progress, a creative truthteller, and a “tomorrow-maker.” Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri; and the author of eleven books, including Sinners In the Hands of a Loving God, When Everything's on Fire, and The Wood Between the Worlds. Pamela Cooper-White, MDiv, PhD, LCPC is the Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor Emerita of Psychology and Religion and Dean Emerita, Union Theological Seminary, New York, an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of New York, and a licensed psychotherapist. She is an award-winning author, most recently of The Psychology of Christian Nationalism: Why People Are Drawn In and How to Talk Across the Divide. Andrew L. Whitehead, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IUPUI, and one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States. He is the author of American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, and lead author of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States—along with Samuel Perry. is an associate professor of sociology and co-director of the Association of Religion Data Archives.