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Church + State: Public Prayer Outside The White House

Cocktail Theology

Release Date: 07/10/2025

Reflections On Christmas show art Reflections On Christmas

Cocktail Theology

Elane and Benton reflect on what Christmas means to them this year while enjoying a classic holiday cocktail. Cocktail: Tom & Jerry 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 Your Life Story Already Written? show art Is Your Life Story Already Written?

Cocktail Theology

What is purpose, where does it come from, and why is it so important? Has it already been chosen for us? Are our life stories already written down in God’s Big Book Of Everything? Elane and Benton ponder purpose, callings, and the will of God while sipping a new cocktail. Cocktail: The Inglenook 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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Reality show art Reality

Cocktail Theology

There’s only one reality, but each of us experiences it differently. That can be a useful—even a beautiful—thing. But it can also be a barrier to consensus, even conversation.  And can wreak havoc around holiday tables. Benton and Elane chat about the reality of…reality. Cocktail: Thanksgiving 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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Thanksgiving show art Thanksgiving

Cocktail Theology

Elane and Benton share what Thanksgiving (the day and the practice) mean to them, as well as some things they’re thankful for. They also discuss the importance of not just being grateful for things, but also thanking people (and God) for those things.  Cocktail: Maple Rye Old Fashioned 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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Our Friends The Nones show art Our Friends The Nones

Cocktail Theology

NEW EPISODE! Most Americans, when asked about their faith, say they are religiously unaffiliated. Elane and Benton chat about “the Nones,” finding and nurturing awe, and how spirituality is a part of all us. Cocktail: Glass & Bottle 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 Do You Mean When You Call Yourself A Christian? show art What Do You Mean When You Call Yourself A Christian?

Cocktail Theology

What do you mean when you call yourself a Christian? Benton and Elane answer that question for themselves while sipping an interesting gin cocktail. Cocktail: Three Of A Kind 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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Queer + Ministry with Fr. Ricardo Avila show art Queer + Ministry with Fr. Ricardo Avila

Cocktail Theology

Elane and Benton welcome their good friend, Father Ricardo Avila—a gay, Latino, Episcopalian priest—to an honest conversation about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and work in ministry. They also enjoy a flight of six different rums! Cocktail: Rum Flight 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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O Death show art O Death

Cocktail Theology

Every November, Dia de los Muertos honors loved ones who have passed with both revelry and reverence. African-Americans talk of turning to their ancestors for wisdom and guidance. Yet death remains a difficult thing for most of us to talk about. Elane and Benton chat about death while enjoying a prickly cocktail. Cocktail: Prickly Pear Margarita 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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Martyrs show art Martyrs

Cocktail Theology

Benton and Elane chat about what makes someone a martyr, what doesn’t, and why our culture is hung up on martyrdom. Cocktail: Enrico Palazzo 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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How To Fight Cynicism show art How To Fight Cynicism

Cocktail Theology

Cynicism is becoming more and more common among us these days. Elane and Benton discuss ideas for combatting it (hint: awe is a good place to start) while sipping a rum cocktail. Cocktail: Bouteiller Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online. #progressivechristian #spirituality #queerchristian #cocktails #podcast #lgbtq+ #postevangelical #christianlife #cynical #cynicism #awe #wonder

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More Episodes

A listener shared a viral video that captures a circle of charismatic Christians praying freely and fervently outside the White House. Elane and Benton discuss the many issues with this while sipping a Dubonnet cocktail. 

Cocktail: The Dandy

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.