Elane's Conversation With John Birdsall
Cocktail Theology
In celebration of the release of WHAT IS QUEER FOOD?, the new book written by our friend, multi-award-winning writer John Birdsall, this is a newly edited conversation between Elane and John that was recorded in 2023 at John’s home in Tucson, Arizona. At the time, John was in the early stages of writing the book that would become WHAT IS QUEER FOOD? The book is John’s deeply personal and well-researched story-sharing of the relationship between modern American food culture and the lives and revolutions of LGBTQ+ folks. Cocktail: Brown Derby Theme song: “Moving On (Feels...
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The Pope And Why He Should Matter To Protestants
Cocktail Theology
The Roman Catholic Church (and the world) has a new pope. Many Protestant Christians don’t see why the Pope is important, or even relevant, to the lives of non-Catholics. Elane and Benton chat about why all of us should be paying attention to what Pope Leo has to say. (For more, listen to our interview with Father James Martin--season 4, episode 10) Cocktail: The Chicago Cocktail 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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The Wonder Problem
Cocktail Theology
What if humanity is suffering from a lack of wonder? Our need for control and certainty has left us with a God who has been demystified, and a President who captures our attention. Elane and Benton discuss wonder and how its absence has impacted our experience of life, God, and practically everything else.
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Was Jesus A Wuss?
Cocktail Theology
Christians throughout the ages have claimed the Cross as their banner while they committed atrocities against those who opposed them--or who were simply in the way. In America today, that behavior is evident in the Christian nationalist movement, where men want Jesus to be depicted as assertive and powerful, not compassionate and humble. Elane and Benton chat about this while sipping Pink Ladies for the first time. Cocktail: Pink Lady aka Karen Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's music wherever you stream your favorite artists.
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Christmas Songs We Love (And Love To Hate)
Cocktail Theology
In this last episode of the season, Elane and Benton share the Christmas songs they find most moving, most cringy, and most special. All while enjoying French 75’s. Cocktail Theology will be back with new episodes in spring 2025! #progressivechristian #spirituality #queerchristian #cocktails #podcast #lgbtq+ #postevangelical #christianlife #christmas #christmasmusic #christmassongs #holidaysongs #silentnight #thechipmunks #french75 Cocktail: French 75 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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Surviving And Thriving During The Holidays
Cocktail Theology
NEW EPISODE! The holidays present challenges for most of us. Family tensions. Grief. Issues around eating, drinking, and gifts. Benton and Elane have a conversation about practical ways to anticipate stressers during the season. Cocktail: Winter In Norfolk County 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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Is It Spiritual?
Cocktail Theology
What makes something spiritual? Is it the intent or spirituality of its creator? Is it how the thing is received? And what does it mean for something to “spiritual” anyway? Benton and Elane ponder these questions and more while sipping espresso martinis. Cocktail: Espresso Martini 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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So Are You Tolerant, Accepting, Or An Ally?
Cocktail Theology
Elane and Benton have an in-depth conversation about what it means for Christians to be tolerant, accepting, or allies toward those who are different from us. Complete with Biblical examples. All while sipping a new cocktail. Cocktail: The Bitterbon 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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Mythology/Theology
Cocktail Theology
Elane and Benton respond to a listener’s question about the difference between mythology and theology. Cocktail: The Vancouver 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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Here Come The Holidays
Cocktail Theology
Benton and Elane have a lighthearted chat about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and what happens between—while enjoying an apple brandy cocktail. Cocktail: Without Borders Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.
info_outlineWhat are angels? What are demons? Are there harps, wings, pitchforks, and pointy tails involved? Do they intervene in human affairs or keep a safe distance? Elane and Benton explore ideas they have (and have heard) about these nonmaterial beings while sipping on Cuba Libres.
Cocktail: Cuba Libre
Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.