Christ-Light
Cocktail Theology
Suppose that following Jesus isn’t about proving yourself, or making sure that other people know that you’re right with God, or winning the prize that gets you into heaven when you die. Suppose instead that following Jesus is simply accepting God’s light within you and then living like you believe that, the way Jesus lived. No fear, no threat of hell, no feelings of inadequacy, no drive to impress. Benton and Elane discuss all this and more over mojitos. Cocktail: Mojito Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen...
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Why The Hebrew Scriptures Matter
Cocktail Theology
The Old Testament, as we Christians refer to it, is more than just the Creation story, the Ten Commandments, and a bunch of prophets with funny names. Elane and Benton chat about why the Hebrew Scriptures give us valuable insight into who Jesus was. Cocktail: Bee’s Knees Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
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Doubt
Cocktail Theology
The opposite of faith isn’t doubt—it’s certainty. Whenever anyone is sure they have the right answers, they’ll be threatened by those who think maybe they don’t. Doubt—sometimes simply questions—can tear at the fabric of some churches. Benton and Elane chat about it while sipping sidecars. Cocktail: Sidecar Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
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Can I Be Smart And Be A Christian?
Cocktail Theology
Christians are often portrayed as dumb as they hold onto ideas that are out of step with culture, science, and sometimes even common sense. But are Christians short on intellect or just change-averse? Elane and Benton chat over boulevardiers. Cocktail: Boulevardier Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
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Richard Hays And The Big About-Face
Cocktail Theology
For decades, Richard Hays has been the leading New Testament scholar among conservatives. His case against LGBTQ+ people continues to justify queer exclusion in evangelical circles. But he has written a yet-to-be-released book with his son, Fuller Seminary professor Christopher Hays, that reverses his position, allowing for full affirmation of queer Christians in the church. Elane and Benton discuss the LGBTQ+ response and the implications of the Hays’ about-face. Cocktail: Martini Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever...
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How Should Christians Respond To the War In Israel?
Cocktail Theology
American Christians are deeply divided on what our response should be to the Israel-Hamas War. The religious and political right support Israel no matter what, but why? And what is the big deal about campus protests denouncing the violence against Palestinians? Elane and Benton get into the thick of it. Cocktail: Lemon Drop Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
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What Makes A Progressive Christian Progressive?
Cocktail Theology
Progressives of any kind are generally thought of as forward-thinking non-traditionalists who dare to question conventionality and work at cultivating and spreading new ideas. Some of that is true of some progressive Christians. But ancient ideas, Biblical context, history, and lived experience are all vital to a healithy, progressive Christian life. Elane and Benton discuss what makes a progressive Christian progressive in the first episode of Cocktail Theology’s fifth season! Cocktail: Manhattan Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s...
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The Incarnation
Cocktail Theology
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Jesus and Hercules? Well, we can think of a few. Elane and Benton close out Season 4 with a conversation about the Incarnation. Cocktail: Evan Williams (Extra Noggy) Eggnog Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
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Moral Authority
Cocktail Theology
What is moral authority and where does it come from? Do we as a society care about moral authority? And where should Christians look for moral authority (besides Jesus, of course)? Benton and Elane discuss while sipping a Prohibition Era cocktail, the Scofflaw. Cocktail: Scofflaw Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
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Christians In Congress
Cocktail Theology
Should Christians vote for Christians to represent them in government? If the answer is “yes,” then the next question is “why?” Elane and Benton discuss, among other things, the qualities and qualifications that cause people of faith to vote for one person over another. Cocktail: Pressure Drop Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
info_outlineElane chats with Jesuit priest, best-selling author, and well-known LGBTQ+ advocate Fr. James Martin. They talk about why many Christians are intolerant of queer people, what makes a Jesuit a Jesuit, and why the story of Lazarus is still so compelling.
Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.