Theology:21CE

Have you ever considered the profound responsibility we hold towards the animal kingdom? It's a question that carries weighty moral implications, and together with Reverend Dr. Beth Cooper, an animal advocate and health specialist, we tackle this very subject. Our conversation navigates the delicate terrain of animal trauma, the stark realities of euthanasia, and the deep-seated call for stewardship that transcends our human-centered world. Dr. Cooper's expertise sheds light on the behaviors of both domesticated and wild animals, urging us to recognize our role in their lives and the significance of compassionate care.The episode takes a further leap into the spiritual realm, where faith intersects with our treatment of God's creatures. Drawing from Christian teachings, we discuss the concept of stewardship over dominion, and recount the transformative story of St. Francis of Assisi, whose life epitomizes the healing bond between humans and nature. We also share an inspiring rescue tale—a Palomino Tennessee walking horse's journey from the brink of death to a new life, highlighting the intelligence and resilience inherent in these beautiful creatures. With Dr. Cooper's contribution, this episode is not just a dialogue but a heartfelt call to action for anyone who cherishes the creatures with whom we share this earth.

Are you ready to journey through a healing sanctuary? In this first of three interviews by Reverend Tom Ziegert, Reverend Dr. Beth Cooper, a Christian elder and holistic health practitioner, takes us along her personal path of physical and mental healing. With an array of techniques from massage to tuina, acupressure to somatic experience, she has woven a remarkable tapestry of healing at the Bhakti Fest. At one point, our host, Tom grappled with depression, and through the guidance of his chiropractor, discovered the transformative powers of amino acid therapy and dietary changes. Tom's candid sharing of personal experiences in juxtaposition with Beth's healing modalities is truly inspiring.The episode takes an intriguing turn as we delve into the fascinating history of massage, linking it back to French missionaries and the ancient Chinese art of tuina. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of touch and connection in healing and the importance of equipping ourselves with a diverse set of healing tools. We also reflect on the critical role healers play in our society, especially in managing trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, and stress. Whether you're on a healing journey yourself or seeking to understand more about holistic health practices, this episode with Dr. Beth Cooper offers revealing insights into the power of holistic healing.

This episode explores the current "relative truth" politic and its connection to Christian faith.

This episode of Theology:21ce brings the Night Watch Observance to you. It is a New Year’s Eve version of John Wesley’s Covenant Service. The heart of this service is the Covenant Prayer. It requires persons to commit themselves to God. This covenant is serious and assumes adequate preparation for and a continual response to the covenant. You can participate in the responses by opening the transcript at www.searching-for-god.com or at www.theology21ce.com. I hope this episode serves as an inspiration for you throughout the new year.

In this episode I talk about why investing is an activity of faithfulness.

In this episode I talk about the history and future of God and our evolving understanding of our relationship of God.

In this episode I talk about celebrating Thanksgiving in honor of God's abundance and grace in a way suitable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode, I talk with my guest, Rev. Lynn Munson-Francis about the Kingdom of God and what it means in our lives.

In this fourth episode of my third season, I talk about the importance of being true to ourselves, living authentically, and embracing who God made us to be.

In this episode I discuss the misapprehension that the world will end in some "Rapture" or Armageddon described in the Book of Revelation. The world already ended. We live in a new world brought about by the dissolution of the Old Covenant (contract) and the signing by God and enacting of a New Covenant (contract) with all humanity. Here in this episode are my thoughts on the matter. Your thoughts are welcome too. I apologize for any resemblance my wording presents as insulting to practicing Jews. I have never thought of myself as anti-Semitic. This is the first time I have put these thoughts down. I cringed at the way some of what I say here sounded. Unfortunately, these words represent as best I am able what I have been thinking. I welcome your thoughts on how I can say what I believe and not be offensive.

Hegel's Dialectic offers the diagram of how the end will come. Thesis - Antithesis - Synthesis. The old Age of Liberalism battles its antithesis, Christian Nationalism. Both will be the diametrics that form the synthesis of a new age.

In this episode Reverend Gilbert Stones, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Los Osos, California, talks about both animals and humans being souls, the dilemma of accepting this understanding, and how humans then have to reevaluate our primacy among the creatures of the Earth.

This episode honors National Domestic Violence Awareness month with guest, Alicia Diane Rhoden, who discusses with us her experiences as a victim of domestic violence, her journey to extricate herself from victimization by her husband and church and her transformation from victim to advocate for those who suffer through what she did.

Originally the Bible was written in Greek. It was then translated into Hebrew for the Old Testament and into Latin for the New Testament. The Greek used was actually an international Greek different than Classical Greek. I call this vendor Greek like vendor English, a close replica of the original language but without the nuances and complexities of the original. Later the Bible would be re-translated into various languages often being corrupted because there were no accurate words into the new language to match the original Greek.Bibles were also politically influenced by the national faction that hired the translation. For instance, the King James Bible was translated at the behest of King James of England in 1610 C.E. King James’s approval was required before publication. These corruptions have caused many misunderstandings by those who rely on its veracity. As societies change our ability improves to break off from the common doctrines and dogmas that have prevented alternative, and perhaps more accurate, re-translations of the Bible as we continue to seek the truth. Today’s podcast redefines sin and evil.

For some, solitude is akin to loneliness. This podcast discusses the elements necessary to find comfort in solitude and overcome bouts of loneliness. Reference is made to Georges Moustaki's song, "Ma Solitude." The hear the song go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9-OzSzCDWo

This episode attempts to lay down principles upon which we can develop our ethic of sexuality and sexual encounters.

This revised episode discusses steps involved in forgiveness as a process, or path. I recognize that forgiveness can be a singular or series of events. But, I suggest that it can be a process for the bigger crimes against one another. Those steps are: Release, Repent, Repay, Reconcile and Rejoice.

This episode uses the reference from Romans chapter 12 verses 9 thru 21 to talk about blessing our persecutors.

This episode talks a little about the Bible as sacred stories, a little about sex outside of marriage, and some more about Eunuch as an ancient colloquialism for gay or lesbian, the importance of our stories, and that all good eunuchs go to Heaven.

There are times where all we need is a little encouragement from God. It is my experience that God gives such encouragement. God gives us signs, sometimes. It is for us to recognize them, come to grips with them and interpret them. This episode is a story about just that.

If you listened to my first podcast in my series, “Places I’ve Come Across God,” you will know why I have had a certain wariness about the way the Bible is used and who it’s used for and against. You will not be surprised then, that I take exception that it is called the “Word of God.” In this podcast, I will give an account about why it should not be called that.

I remember a small quilted wall hanging a friend made for me “Fear Not Tomorrow God Is Already There.” I grew up believing God was everywhere. Then I began to question that tenet. Then I found out it is true. This is the first in a series of my encounters with God. Some encounters are conspicuous, others are more obscure. This one was conspicuous.

This is a story about love, illness, death and life after death, and God’s presence in the midst of it all.