To EL and Back

A humorous yet in depth look at religion and it's cultural impact on our lives.

Episode 119 - Founding Fathers ft. Brother Thomas 07/06/2025

Episode 119 - Founding Fathers ft. Brother Thomas America just had a birthday, so we thought we'd take a look at the religious views (or lack thereof) of the founding fathers. We also decided that it was time to have a guest, and Bael's brother Thomas was kind enough to share his knowledge with us. Join us as we ask the classic question, was the United States founded as a christian country? /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/37292425

Episode 118 - Bible Queer Coding 06/29/2025

Episode 118 - Bible Queer Coding There are a ton of characters in the Bible. Some good, some evil, and most are complicated. Did you also know that there are queer coded characters in the Bible? From bros who are a little more than roomies to the original Themla and Louise, the Bible has some characters that are a little more colorful than Sunday School may have let on. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/37060420

Episode 117 - Saved! 06/22/2025

Episode 117 - Saved! The boys are back with another media study. This time it's a hilarious movie from 2004, Saved! With a fantastic cast and an even better message, Bael & Riff set out to give you all the reasons you need to watch this underseen classic. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/37060350

Episode 116 - Bob Luiz Botehlo 06/15/2025

Episode 116 - Bob Luiz Botehlo Bael and Riff take a look at a fascinating man who is ACTUALLY living the words of Christ. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/37014990

Episode 115 - The Rainbow Book 06/08/2025

Episode 115 - The Rainbow Book Finding the right religious group for yourself can be difficult, especially if you're not straight. Have no fear, Bael and Riff are here to help. They've got a handy guide to each group's thoughts and policies on our friends in the rainbow community. Let's take a trip together. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36906320

Episode 114 - The Mormon Wars 06/01/2025

Episode 114 - The Mormon Wars When you think of Mormons, you probably think of either a hilarious musical by the creators of South Park or BYU. Did you ever wonder why BYU, and the heart of the Mormon Church, is in Utah? Join us to explore the various atrocities that led to Utah becoming a religious haven for Latter Day Saints. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36618600

Episode 113 - Left Behind 05/25/2025

Episode 113 - Left Behind As we continue our 'Media May' exercise we decided that like exercise we should do something that sucks. Watching this movie sucks. It sucks more than Kirk Cameron's acting. Listen to us comiserate over this episode so you don't have to watch it. left behind /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36618525

Episode 112 - The Rapture 05/18/2025

Episode 112 - The Rapture Time to look to heavens and shout "Oh Lord, he's a comin'" or something like that. The boys ask tackle the topic that has split up more churches than sexual misconduct, of course we're talking about the Rapture. Who gets picked, when do they get picked, what happens to everyone left behind? These questions and more will not be answered but discussed and joked about nonetheless. Fly away with us. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36471595

Episode 111 - House of David 05/11/2025

Episode 111 - House of David Bael & Riff continue their media studies with Amazon Prime's House of David. The fellas discuss the historical and biblical accuracy of this new series, and ask a whole lot of questions along the way. Join us. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36471515

Episode 110 - The KJV 05/04/2025

Episode 110 - The KJV The King James Version was the dominant translation of the Bible for over 3 centuries. It shaped how a multitiude of Christians view the scriptures. It also had a tremendous impact on the English language and how it is written. The real question is, why? Does it still have relevance today? Thee and Thous may have been replaced in the modern vernacular but is it still Sola Scriptura? Bael and Riff investigate. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36262410

Episode 109 - Prosperity Gospel 04/27/2025

Episode 109 - Prosperity Gospel The Prosperity Gospel is about as far from Christ's teachings as one can get. However, Christians all over the world flock to preachers who espouse it. Bael and Riff dig into the back story of this false doctrine in service of their mantra, Sola Scriptura Baby!!! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36262350

Episode 108 - Fundamentalists 04/20/2025

Episode 108 - Fundamentalists Fundamentalists are not fun but they are a bit mental. Join Bael and Riff as they break down exactly who, what, why these extremely zealous believers have become the go to for Christian boogeymen. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36234860

Episode 107 - Passover 04/13/2025

Episode 107 - Passover Passover is an incredibly important holiday for our Jewish friends. The story behind it plays a vital role in the both the Christian and Jewish religions. But how much do you actually know about it? Never fear, for Bael and Riff are here to shed some light on this fascinating and wholesome (in a morbid sort of way) holiday. Grab your matzah and buckle up! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/35874840

Episode 106 - The Passion of the Christ 04/06/2025

Episode 106 - The Passion of the Christ We're keeping our Easter season rolling along with Mel Gibson's ode to Antisemetism and violence. The guys try and make sense of exactly what Mel was trying to say and what the hell that weird baby was. Join them. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/36023875

Episode 105 - Easter Traditions 03/30/2025

Episode 105 - Easter Traditions Eggs, rabbits, and pastel colors means it must be Easter. But why? Join Bael and Riff as they hunt for clues about why we do what we do each spring! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/35874740

Episode 104 - The Inquisition 03/23/2025

Episode 104 - The Inquisition While we already know that nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition, it's probably also fair to say that few people actually understand the Inquistions, Spanish or otherwise. Join Bael & Riff as they look at the who, what, where, when, and why of the Inquisition. They uncover some rather surprising details that color what they thought they knew about this long running and often depicted part of history. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/35465455

Episode 103 - Relics 03/16/2025

Episode 103 - Relics The Shroud of Turin. The Holy Grail. The Spear of Destiny. The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch. All of these are relics that many christians find bring them closer to God. What's the deal? From grave robbing, multiple foreskins, and more knock offs than a chinatown Louis Vuitton store, the world of relics is a very weird place. That makes it perfect for Bael and Riff to explore. Join them! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/35465350

Episode 102 - Media Studies "Conclave" 03/09/2025

Episode 102 - Media Studies "Conclave" *SPOILERS* In keeping with the new format the boys take on their first media study. The 2024 film, Conclave, is the study for this week. A film that got a lot of Oscar buzz and actually picked up a win in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. Join Bael and Riff as they dig into this film and give the blow by blow on this big screen battle without bullets. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/35548830

Episode 101 - Exorcisms 03/02/2025

Episode 101 - Exorcisms The boys are back in town! Bael & Riff have returned rejuvinated and full of opinions. Join them as they explore a new format for the show and start off with a deep dive into the shadowy world of exorcisms. The Power of Christ compels you to listen to this show!!! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/35465190

Episode 100 - Christmas Special 12/22/2024

Episode 100 - Christmas Special Somehow, we've made it to 100 episodes! Thank all of you for listening. The guys have a Christmas present for you, it's a discussion of the Christmas story. Let's reconcile the gospels and air our greivences. Merry Christmas! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/34559015

Episode 99 - What Have We Learned? 12/15/2024

Episode 99 - What Have We Learned? After 98 episodes together, Bael & Riff take a moment to reflect on what they've learned along the way. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/34396575

Episode 98 - Thomas, Judas, Mary and a murderous little kid 12/08/2024

Episode 98 - Thomas, Judas, Mary and a murderous little kid The boys take a look at some of the wilder non-canonical "gospels". From the missed sarcasm of Judas to Grand Theft Messiah, there's a whole lot to unpack here. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/34335170

Episode 97 - Revelation 22 12/01/2024

Episode 97 - Revelation 22 "And now we've come, to the end of the road...." That's right, friends, we've made it to the end of the book. Which if John is to be believed is really the beginning of eternity. Follow the guys once more unto the breach as they round out their Revelation ride with the Bible's post credits scene. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33996092

Episode 96 - Revelation 21 11/24/2024

Episode 96 - Revelation 21 We've slaughtered most of the flora and fauna on earth. We've tossed the wicked into the burning fires of Hell. What's up next? Why it's the HGTV segment of the apocalypse with extreme home makeover, eternal edition! Join your host the Lamb as he builds a beautiful new home that will last the next thousand years. /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33899082

Episode 95 - Revelation 20 11/17/2024

Episode 95 - Revelation 20 What time is it? It's judgement time! We normally try to live and let live around here but the Lamb isn't having any of that right now. The gates are open, the chains are out, and it's time for some eternal damnation. Won't you join us? /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33898992

Episode 94 - Revelation 18 & 19 11/10/2024

Episode 94 - Revelation 18 & 19 Now that the smoke has settled and we've seen how the battle will play out, it's time to burst into song. John couldn't resist making the apocalypse a musical, so put on your dancing shoes and join the guys for swinging good time! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33671067

Episode 93 - Revelation 17 11/03/2024

Episode 93 - Revelation 17 The Whore of Babylon. For years artists have portrayed her in many different ways. Theologians have wrestled with the imagery and what it means. Have no fear, Bael and Riff are here to put it all in perspective, and crack a bunch of tasteless jokes along the way! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33587997

Episode 92 - Revelation 15 & 16 10/27/2024

Episode 92 - Revelation 15 & 16 Now it's time for God's judment to be served, and he's serving it family style! Seven angels with seven bowls of doomsday goodness for everyone to share. Course after course of punishment is about to get served to the whole world. Won't you join us for dinner? /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33422282

Episode 91 - Revelation 14 10/20/2024

Episode 91 - Revelation 14 It's time for the showdown. It's Armageddon, and you know what that means...MATH!!! That's right, we've done some disgusting math on this show (see the Noah episode) but this one is word problem that is very problematic. Enjoy!!! /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33422192

Episode 90 - Revelation 13 10/13/2024

Episode 90 - Revelation 13 It's time for main players to arrive. The entrance music has hit, the pyro is going, it's time for the tag team of Beasts. Not only do we get these abominations, but we also get the line that launched a million records for Iron Maiden. You know the number...or so you think /episode/index/show/686a82a3-5188-4872-82c4-3a8a042ee179/id/33154617

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