In their last episode before the summer hiatus RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk tip creep, accomplished achievers, grieving comedians, and Tim Keller. Also, a Condon brings home the trophy for Best Dancer at the Middle School Dance.  Click here to respond to RJ's opening appeal.   Click here to read Rachel Wolfe's report on Why Tipping Prompts Are Suddenly Everywhere for the Wall Street Journal.  Click here to read Adam Gopnik's column on What We Lose When We Push Kids to Achieve in The NY Times.  Click here to read the piece about Grief in Stand Up Comedy by Nick Zinoman.  Click here to read Stephanie Phillips tribute to Tim Keller. And here to read Dave Z's appreciation of the same. 

In their last episode before the summer hiatus RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk tip creep, accomplished achievers, grieving comedians, and Tim Keller. Also, a Condon brings home the trophy for Best Dancer at the Middle School Dance. <a href="https://mbird.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to respond to RJ's opening appeal. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-tipping-prompts-are-suddenly-everywhere-1c8bbd20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Rachel Wolfe's report on Why Tipping Prompts Are Suddenly Everywhere for the Wall Street Journal. </li> <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/opinion/youth-achievement-happiness.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Adam Gopnik's column on What We Lose When We Push Kids to Achieve in The NY Times. </li> <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/17/arts/television/grief-stand-up-comedy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the piece about Grief in Stand Up Comedy by Nick Zinoman. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/grace-in-practice/tears-of-hope-and-gratitude/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Stephanie Phillips tribute to Tim Keller. And <a href="https://mbird.com/week-in-review/may-20-26/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to read Dave Z's appreciation of the same. </li></ul>

Episode 244: Don't Forget to Tip Your Server

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk baby name consultants, coronation invitations, and escape room birthday parties. Also, Dave finally reveals the Mockingcast's methodology while Sarah loses an appendix.   Click here to read Rebecca Jennings' article about baby name consultants in Vox. Click here to read Nick Cave's response to the coronation.  Click here to read about "Why Millennial Men Are Turning to the Book of Common Prayer" Click here to read CNN's report on the Surgeon General's Loneliness Advisory.  Click here to watch Dave's talk from the NYC Conference, "Is Anything Not a Cry for Help?" Click here to read in The Atlantic about how Adam Mastrioanni ruined two birthday parties.  Click here to read Ben Maddison's Unsolicited Review of the Mockingbird Conference. 

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk baby name consultants, coronation invitations, and escape room birthday parties. Also, Dave finally reveals the Mockingcast's methodology while Sarah loses an appendix. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/23708179/unique-baby-names-2023-trends-tiktok" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Rebecca Jennings' article about baby name consultants in Vox.</li> <li><a href="https://www.theredhandfiles.com/why-are-you-going-to-kings-coronation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Nick Cave's response to the coronation. </li> <li><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-millennial-men-are-turning-to-the-book-of-common-prayer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read about "Why Millennial Men Are Turning to the Book of Common Prayer"</li> <li><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/02/health/murthy-loneliness-isolation/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read CNN's report on the Surgeon General's Loneliness Advisory. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/conferences/is-anything-not-a-cry-for-help/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to watch Dave's talk from the NYC Conference, "Is Anything Not a Cry for Help?"</li> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2023/04/psychology-studies-narratives-limitations/673846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read in The Atlantic about how Adam Mastrioanni ruined two birthday parties. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/suffering/an-unsolicited-review-of-the-mockingbird-conference-that-no-one-wants/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Ben Maddison's Unsolicited Review of the Mockingbird Conference. </li></ul>

Episode 243: The Worst Pep Talk Ever

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk road rage, representation, financial obsession, and extremely short sermons. Also, RJ narrowly avoids a lemon squeeze, while Sarah learns something shocking about New England Puritans.   Click here to read the LA Times article about Beef. Click here to read Michael Mechanic's piece in the Atlantic, "Stop Asking Whether Money Buys Happiness." Click here to read Elizabeth Bruenig's essay for The Point, on "The Limits of Forgiveness".  Click here to read Sarah's Easter devotion The Light Has Come to Stay.  Click here to read the Easter sermon of St John Chrysostym. 

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk road rage, representation, financial obsession, and extremely short sermons. Also, RJ narrowly avoids a lemon squeeze, while Sarah learns something shocking about New England Puritans. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-04-05/beef-netflix-ali-wong-steven-yeun" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the LA Times article about Beef.</li> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/04/money-income-happiness-correlation/673713/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Michael Mechanic's piece in the Atlantic, "Stop Asking Whether Money Buys Happiness."</li> <li><a href="https://thepointmag.com/examined-life/the-limits-of-forgiveness/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Elizabeth Bruenig's essay for The Point, on "The Limits of Forgiveness". </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/bible/the-light-has-come-to-stay/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Sarah's Easter devotion The Light Has Come to Stay. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/poetry/forgiveness-has-risen-the-easter-sermon-of-st-john-chrysostom/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the Easter sermon of St John Chrysostym. </li></ul>

Episode 242: If I Wasn't Worried About Money

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk subjective age, the danger of knowingness, the perils of project religion, and the hope of Holy Week. Also, RJ reveals why he's in sales, not management.   Click here to read Jennifer Senior's essay on "The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are and How Old You Think You Are" in The Atlantic Click here to read Jonathan Malesic's piece on the problem of Knowingness in Pscyhe Click here to read Barbara Spindel's review of Alex Mar's Seventy Times Seven: A True Story of Murder and Mercy in The Wall Street Journal Click here to read Anthony Robinson's post on Mbird about "The Cognitive Distortions of Legalistic Preaching"

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk subjective age, the danger of knowingness, the perils of project religion, and the hope of Holy Week. Also, RJ reveals why he's in sales, not management. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/04/subjective-age-how-old-you-feel-difference/673086/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Jennifer Senior's essay on "The Puzzling Gap Between How Old You Are and How Old You Think You Are" in The Atlantic</li> <li><a href="https://psyche.co/ideas/our-big-problem-is-not-misinformation-its-knowingness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Jonathan Malesic's piece on the problem of Knowingness in Pscyhe</li> <li><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/seventy-times-seven-review-a-shock-to-the-conscience-daf95979" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Barbara Spindel's review of Alex Mar's <a href="https://amzn.to/40GeSH3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seventy Times Seven: A True Story of Murder and Mercy</a> in The Wall Street Journal</li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/religion/church/the-cognitive-distortions-of-legalistic-preaching/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Anthony Robinson's post on Mbird about "The Cognitive Distortions of Legalistic Preaching"</li></ul>

Episode 241: How Old Are You (in Your Head)?

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk almond moms, wellness curses, and theories of change. Also, Dave runs away from a German.   Click here to order a copy of The Sickness &amp; Health Issue of The Mockingbird.  Click here to become a monthly supporter of Mockingbird (and receive a complimentary magazine subscription!).  Click here for more information about the Mockingbird Virtual Book Club, including how to sign up.  Click here to pre-register for the 2023 Mbird NYC Conference (4/27-29).  Click here to read Sarah Condon's piece on Grace for (Almond) Moms Click here to read the Mbird interview with Rina Raphael Click here to read "The Moral Case Against Equity Language" by George Packer in The Atlantic Simeon Zahl's essay on "The Cure of Souls: Theories of Change in Christian Ministry" is currently only available in The Sickness &amp; Health Issue of The Mockingbird. But you can watch him deliver it as a conference talk here.  Click here to read Francis Spufford's piece for Mbird, "Where's the Next Brick?"

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk almond moms, wellness curses, and theories of change. Also, Dave runs away from a German. <ul> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/issue-22-sickness-health/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to order a copy of The Sickness &amp; Health Issue of The Mockingbird. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to become a monthly supporter of Mockingbird (and receive a complimentary magazine subscription!). </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/literature/the-2023-mockingbird-book-club/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more information about the Mockingbird Virtual Book Club, including how to sign up. </li> <li><a href="https://conference.mbird.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pre-register for the 2023 Mbird NYC Conference (4/27-29). </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/social-science/parenting/grace-for-almond-moms-like-me/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Sarah Condon's piece on Grace for (Almond) Moms</li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/the-magazine/the-wellness-journalism-guru/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the Mbird interview with Rina Raphael</li> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/04/equity-language-guides-sierra-club-banned-words/673085/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read "The Moral Case Against Equity Language" by George Packer in The Atlantic</li> <li>Simeon Zahl's essay on "The Cure of Souls: Theories of Change in Christian Ministry" is currently only available in <a href="https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/issue-22-sickness-health/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sickness &amp; Health Issue</a> of The Mockingbird. But you can watch him deliver it as a conference talk <a href="https://vimeo.com/710521177" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/theology/wheres-the-next-brick/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Francis Spufford's piece for Mbird, "Where's the Next Brick?"</li></ul>

Episode 240: Pain Avoidant Weirdos

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk NBA scoring records, Manhattan treadmills, imposter phenomena, and children with addiction. Also, a cat named Esther says the Sinner's Prayer.   Click here to read what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Thinks About LeBron James Breaking his NBA Scoring Record Click here to read Caitlin Moscatello's essay "The Fleishman Effect."  Click here to read Wesley Hill's reflection on the theology of Esther, "'Secular' Neglect, Salvation Anyway." Click here to read "Why Everyone Feels Like They're Faking It" by Leslie Jamison in The New Yorker.  Click here to read Cole Huffman's testimony about his son on Mbird, "XL Grace."

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk NBA scoring records, Manhattan treadmills, imposter phenomena, and children with addiction. Also, a cat named Esther says the Sinner's Prayer. <ul> <li><a href="https://kareem.substack.com/p/what-i-think-about-lebron-breaking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Thinks About LeBron James Breaking his NBA Scoring Record</li> <li><a href="https://www.thecut.com/2023/02/the-fleishman-is-in-trouble-effect.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Caitlin Moscatello's essay "The Fleishman Effect." </li> <li><a href="https://covenant.livingchurch.org/2023/02/06/secular-neglect-salvation-anyway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Wesley Hill's reflection on the theology of Esther, "'Secular' Neglect, Salvation Anyway."</li> <li><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/02/13/the-dubious-rise-of-impostor-syndrome" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read "Why Everyone Feels Like They're Faking It" by Leslie Jamison in The New Yorker. </li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/addiction/xl-grace/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Cole Huffman's testimony about his son on Mbird, "XL Grace."</li></ul>

Episode 239: So Ruined, So Loved

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk sleepover stories, mindfulness apps, prison ministries, and dangerous cliches. Also, Sarah lipsyncs to Amy Grant while Dave avoids the noid.   Click here to read Erika Christakis' Case for Sleepovers in The Atlantic Click here to read the Dear Cloud column in Wired about mental health apps. Click here to read Rina Raphael's Well to Do newsletter. Click here to read the second installment of Richard Beck's "Reading the Bible with the Damned" series.  Click here to read the third installment. Click here to read Todd Brewer's piece for Mbird "Comforting the Comfortable". Click here to listen to the sermon Sarah references by Jacob Smith.

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk sleepover stories, mindfulness apps, prison ministries, and dangerous cliches. Also, Sarah lipsyncs to Amy Grant while Dave avoids the noid. <ul> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/01/parents-saying-no-sleepovers-tiktok-controversy/672821/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Erika Christakis' Case for Sleepovers in The Atlantic</li> <li><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/are-mental-health-apps-worth-trying/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the Dear Cloud column in Wired about mental health apps.</li> <li><a href="https://welltodo.substack.com/p/the-latest-wellness-trend-is-long" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Rina Raphael's Well to Do newsletter.</li> <li><a href="https://richardbeck.substack.com/p/reading-the-bible-with-the-damned-e48" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the second installment of Richard Beck's "Reading the Bible with the Damned" series. </li> <li><a href="https://richardbeck.substack.com/p/reading-the-bible-with-the-damned-980" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the third installment.</li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/theology/comforting-the-comfortable/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Todd Brewer's piece for Mbird "Comforting the Comfortable".</li> <li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-this-fish-went-fishing-for-people-matthew-4-12-23/id1097866296?i=1000596152950" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to listen to the sermon Sarah references by Jacob Smith.</li></ul>

Episode 238: Heaven Is a Sleepover

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk one-downing, dry January, raging creatives, and Nigerian faith healers. Also, Sarah reveals how to get people to care, and Dave finally says what we're all thinking about RJ.  Correction: around the 30 min mark, when Dave says "Johnny Walker" he meant to say "Jack Daniels."  Click here to watch the clip of Colbert speaking with Quinta Brunson Click here to read The Atlantic interview about Dry January Click here to read Freddie deBoer's newsletter on the Raging Creative Underclass Click here to read Molly Worthen's piece about Miracles in the NY Times. Click here to read Jim Nestingen's forward to Free to Be

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk one-downing, dry January, raging creatives, and Nigerian faith healers. Also, Sarah reveals how to get people to care, and Dave finally says what we're all thinking about RJ. Correction: around the 30 min mark, when Dave says "Johnny Walker" he meant to say "Jack Daniels." <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/colbertlateshow/videos/564068128572213/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to watch the clip of Colbert speaking with Quinta Brunson</li> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/01/-dry-january-challenge-2023-drinking-meaning-benefits/672695/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read The Atlantic interview about Dry January</li> <li><a href="https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/p/the-creative-underclass-is-still" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Freddie deBoer's newsletter on the Raging Creative Underclass</li> <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/24/opinion/miracles-neuroscience-proof.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Molly Worthen's piece about Miracles in the NY Times.</li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/theology/god-has-made-a-decision-about-you/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Jim Nestingen's forward to Free to Be</li></ul>

Episode 237: Missing the Miracles

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk words of the year, overly honest friendships, gift giving snafus, and Rob Delaney's late son Henry. Also, RJ gets chosen while Sarah throws shade at some Swifties.  Click here to watch The Chosen Click here to check out Kobe Campbell's Instagram, and here to pre-order her book, Why Am I Like This? Click here to listen to the episode of Heavyweight Dave mentions, and here to order the audio of Nick Cave's Faith Hope and Carnage Click here to read about Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year Click here Stephanie Murray's piece on Friendship in The Atlantic Click here to read "Unpacking the Psychology of Gift Giving" by Kate Murphy in the NY Times Click here to read about The Upsides of Feeling Small via Robert Fisher and the BBC Click here to read Drew Colby's piece on Rob Delaney's Water in the Desert on Mbird

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk words of the year, overly honest friendships, gift giving snafus, and Rob Delaney's late son Henry. Also, RJ gets chosen while Sarah throws shade at some Swifties. <ul> <li><a href="https://watch.angelstudios.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to watch The Chosen</li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kobecampbell_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to check out Kobe Campbell's Instagram, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3Yxj7nA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here to pre-order</a> her book, Why Am I Like This?</li> <li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7fWIgYUbfqfHRDP8c16Py8?si=0cf40eb69b7643d4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to listen to the episode of Heavyweight Dave mentions, and <a href="https://amzn.to/3hHwpx5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here to order</a> the audio of Nick Cave's Faith Hope and Carnage</li> <li><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/word-of-the-year" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read about Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year</li> <li><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/12/do-real-friends-tell-truth-confrontation/672437/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> Stephanie Murray's piece on Friendship in The Atlantic</li> <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/18/style/holiday-best-gift-stress.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read "Unpacking the Psychology of Gift Giving" by Kate Murphy in the NY Times</li> <li><a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20221205-the-upsides-of-feeling-small" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read about The Upsides of Feeling Small via Robert Fisher and the BBC</li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/humor/rob-delaneys-water-in-the-desert/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Drew Colby's piece on Rob Delaney's Water in the Desert on Mbird</li></ul>

Episode 236: Dimming the Gaslights

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk sleep tracking, the therapy/gospel dichotomy, public apologies, and the Second Coming. Also, Sarah almost ruins a baby shower.   **Click here to respond to the opening appeal to support Mbird **Click here to read (part of) CJ's opener for the Sleep Issue of the magazine Click here to order your copy of the Sleep Issue today Click here to read Tara Isabella Burton's piece for the NY Times, "The Problem With Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything" Click here to read Brad East's post "A Therapeutic Church Is an Atheist Church" Click here to watch the trailer for the documentary Stutz, directed by Jonah Hill Click here to read Jill Lepore's essay on "The Case Against the Twitter Apology"

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk sleep tracking, the therapy/gospel dichotomy, public apologies, and the Second Coming. Also, Sarah almost ruins a baby shower. <ul> <li>**<a href="https://mbird.com/support/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to respond to the opening appeal to support Mbird</li> <li>**<a href="https://mbird.com/the-magazine/calling-all-insomniacs-the-sleep-issue-is-available-to-pre-order/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read (part of) CJ's opener for the Sleep Issue of the magazine</li> <li><a href="https://mbird.com/shop/magazine/issue-21-sleep/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to order your copy of the Sleep Issue today</li> <li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/12/opinion/mental-health-therapy-instagram.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&amp;referringSource=articleShare" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Tara Isabella Burton's piece for the NY Times, "The Problem With Letting Therapy-Speak Invade Everything"</li> <li><a href="https://www.bradeast.org/blog/therapeutic-church" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Brad East's post "A Therapeutic Church Is an Atheist Church"</li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKCmefQdplI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to watch the trailer for the documentary Stutz, directed by Jonah Hill</li> <li><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/11/14/the-case-against-the-twitter-apology-matthew-ichihashi-potts-forgiveness-danya-ruttenberg-on-repentance-and-repair" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Jill Lepore's essay on "The Case Against the Twitter Apology"</li></ul>

Episode 235: Disco Advent

The Mockingcast is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by RJ Heijmen, Sarah Condon and David Zahl, and brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries, an organization which seeks to connect the Christian faith with the realities of everyday life in fresh and down-to-earth ways. You can find out more about Mockingbird at www.mbird.com.Audio production provided by TJ Hester.

This podcast just puts you in the mood for a great day and readies you got life. Thank you.

This is great

Wonderful show

The Mockingcast is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by RJ Heijmen, Sarah Condon and David Zahl, and brought to you by Mockingbird Ministries, an organization which seeks to connect the Christian faith with the realities of everyday life in fresh and down-to-earth ways. You can find out more about Mockingbird at <a href="http://www.mbird.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.mbird.com</a>. Audio production provided by TJ Hester.

The Mockingcast

Fleming Rutledge

Friday evening talk at our 2017 Conference in NYC, given by The Rev. Fleming Rutledge. Delivered April 28th, 2017 at St George's Episcopal Church.

Friday evening talk at our 2017 Conference in NYC, given by The Rev. Fleming Rutledge. Delivered April 28th, 2017 at St George's Episcopal Church.

Episode 89: The Raising of the Crucified One - Fleming Rutledge

In this episode of the Mockingcast we look at the a phenomenon in Palo Alto and what it tells us about the performance pressure cooker in which we all find ourselves. We also ask what grace has to do with it.   The post Asking Polly What To Do When You’ve Been Pulverized In Palo Alto appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

In this episode of the Mockingcast we look at the a phenomenon in Palo Alto and what it tells us about the performance pressure cooker in which we all find ourselves. We also ask what grace has to do with it. The post <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/asking-polly-what-to-do-when-youve-been-pulverized-in-palo-alto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asking Polly What To Do When You’ve Been Pulverized In Palo Alto</a> appeared first on <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Persuasive Words</a>.

Episode 5: Asking Polly What To Do When You’ve Been Pulverized In Palo Alto

This week’s show features an interview with Fleming Rutledge about her recent book, The Crucifixion:Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ. Then the usual suspects review the contents of Another Week Ends.  Scott, David and Sarah talk social media and emotional health, whether we have free will, and consider a documentary that reminds us that the Gospel is first, foremost and forever for sinners.  The post The Gospel Is For Sinners appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<code><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x300.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week’s show features an interview with<a href="http://www.generousorthodoxy.org/about.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Fleming Rutledge</a> about her recent book, <a href="http://www.eerdmans.com/Products/4732/the-crucifixion.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Crucifixion:Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ.</a> Then the usual suspects review the contents of <a href="http://www.mbird.com/category/news/week-in-review/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Another Week Ends. </a> Scott, David and Sarah talk social media and emotional health, whether we have free will, and consider a documentary that reminds us that the Gospel is first, foremost and forever for sinners. </code> The post <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/the-gospel-is-for-sinners/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Gospel Is For Sinners</a> appeared first on <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Persuasive Words</a>.

Episode 34: The Gospel Is For Sinners

Friend of the show Mark Oppenheimer returns to share about his recent adventure with Episcopalians. He also explains why he quit the NY Times and why he still writes to his daughter in cursive. Then the usual suspects talk Bill Murray, teen anxiety and Cormac McCarthy.Special Guest: Mark Oppenheimer.

<code>Friend of the show Mark Oppenheimer returns to share about his recent adventure with Episcopalians. He also explains why he quit the NY Times and why he still writes to his daughter in cursive. Then the usual suspects talk Bill Murray, teen anxiety and Cormac McCarthy.Special Guest: Mark Oppenheimer.</code>

Episode 62: He’s Back…

This week Scott talks with David Dark, author of  Life’s Too Short To Pretend You’re Not Religious. You can click here for the full length, unedited version of the conversation. Then Scott, David and Sarah talk about moral aligment, criticism and the trajic nature of suicide.  The post Life’s Too Short To Pretend You’re Not Religious, Let The Healing Begin appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<code>This week Scott talks with David Dark, author of  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830844465?keywords=David%20Dark%20Life's%20too%20short&amp;qid=1457726524&amp;ref_=sr_1_1&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Life’s Too Short To Pretend You’re Not Religious.</a> You can click <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/premier-episode-guest-david-dark/03/2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> for the full length, unedited version of the conversation. Then Scott, David and Sarah talk about moral aligment, criticism and the trajic nature of suicide. </code> The post <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/lifes-too-short-to-pretend-youre-not-religious-let-the-healing-begin/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Life’s Too Short To Pretend You’re Not Religious, Let The Healing Begin</a> appeared first on <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Persuasive Words</a>.

Episode 22: Life’s Too Short To Pretend You’re Not Religious, Let The Healing Begin

Paul Zahl

Donald Trump

In this episode C.J. Green breaks down the highlightd of Another Week Ends. We consider the power of Derek Webb’s recent published confession, talk about failure and mediocrity, and consider how the story of our lives isn’t always one we can chart with any kind of rational metric. All this and a special guest appearance by Paul Zahl who reflects on the rise of Trump and what it tells us about the country and ourselves. The post The Power of Confession, The Fear of Failure, and Paul Zahl on Donald Trump appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

In this episode C.J. Green breaks down the highlightd of Another Week Ends. We consider the power of Derek Webb’s recent published confession, talk about failure and mediocrity, and consider how the story of our lives isn’t always one we can chart with any kind of rational metric. All this and a special guest appearance by Paul Zahl who reflects on the rise of Trump and what it tells us about the country and ourselves. The post <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/confession-failure-and-paul-zahl-on-donald-trump/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Power of Confession, The Fear of Failure, and Paul Zahl on Donald Trump</a> appeared first on <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Persuasive Words</a>.

Episode 11: The Power of Confession, The Fear of Failure, and Paul Zahl on Donald Trump

Dr. Todd Brewer, New Testament Professor at General Theological Seminary, comes on the podcast to talk about Mockingbird’s best theology book list of 2016. Then the roundtable talks about, among other things, Good Riddance Day.

<code>Dr. Todd Brewer, New Testament Professor at General Theological Seminary, comes on the podcast to talk about Mockingbird’s best theology book list of 2016. Then the roundtable talks about, among other things, Good Riddance Day.</code>

Episode 72: Good Riddance

In which RJ, Sarah, and DZ discuss Hollis-mania, intuitive eating, and useless awards. Also, RJ sucks on a rock. Articles discussed include:  "Girl, Follow Jesus" by Jen Oshman via The Gospel Coalition "'Girl, Wash Your Face' is a Massive Best Seller With a Dark Message" by Laura Turner via Buzzfeed "Intuitive Eating: The Latest Diet Trend is not Dieting" by Amanda Mull via The Atlantic "Love Gone Wrong: When Ash Wednesday Falls on Valentine's Day" by Sam Bush via Mbird.com "All Awards are Stupid" via Seinfeld

In which RJ, Sarah, and DZ discuss Hollis-mania, intuitive eating, and useless awards. Also, RJ sucks on a rock. Articles discussed include: <ul> <li>"<a href="https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/girl-stop-apologizing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Girl, Follow Jesus</a>" by Jen Oshman via The Gospel Coalition</li> <li>"<a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lauraturner/rachel-hollis-girl-wash-your-face-self-help-book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'Girl, Wash Your Face' is a Massive Best Seller With a Dark Message</a>" by Laura Turner via Buzzfeed</li> <li>"<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/02/intuitive-eating/583357/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Intuitive Eating: The Latest Diet Trend is not Dieting</a>" by Amanda Mull via The Atlantic</li> <li>"<a href="https://www.mbird.com/ct_sermon/love-gone-wrong-when-ash-wednesday-falls-on-valentines-day-sam-bush/?highlight=sam%20bush" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love Gone Wrong: When Ash Wednesday Falls on Valentine's Day</a>" by Sam Bush via <a href="http://Mbird.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mbird.com</a></li> <li>"<a href="https://lybio.net/jerry-seinfeld-all-awards-are-stupid/comedy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All Awards are Stupid</a>" via Seinfeld</li></ul>

Episode 151: Don't Wash Your Face

In this episode of the show we talk with some really interesting people. We begin with a conversation with J.R. Rozko, co-director of the Mission Alliance (www.missioalliance.org). They are doing a series of conference gatherings to explore what different past traditions have to offer the church and its mission in a post-Christian future. We’ll actually be doing a live recording of the show at their May gathering in Philadelphia which will look at the Reformation tradition (http://www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/reformedevent/). Then we chat with Aaron Zimmerman, rector of St. Alban’s Church in Waco Texas. He shares his top five insights for preachers who want to preach more life giving and graced sermons. (http://www.stalbanswaco.org/sermon-podcast). We conclude talking about our wrap up post, Another Week Ends. As usual you can find all the content we discuss at our website www.mbird.com.  The post The Protest Vote and The Magic of Protestantism appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<code><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x3002.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40222 nofollow" target="_blank"></a>In this episode of the show we talk with some really interesting people. We begin with a conversation with J.R. Rozko, co-director of the Mission Alliance (<a href="http://www.missioalliance.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.missioalliance.org</a>). They are doing a series of conference gatherings to explore what different past traditions have to offer the church and its mission in a post-Christian future. We’ll actually be doing a live recording of the show at their May gathering in Philadelphia which will look at the Reformation tradition (<a href="http://www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/reformedevent/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.missioalliance.org/gatherings/reformedevent/</a>). Then we chat with Aaron Zimmerman, rector of St. Alban’s Church in Waco Texas. He shares his top five insights for preachers who want to preach more life giving and graced sermons. (<a href="http://www.stalbanswaco.org/sermon-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.stalbanswaco.org/sermon-podcast</a>). We conclude talking about our wrap up post, Another Week Ends. As usual you can find all the content we discuss at our website<a href="http://www.mbird.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> www.mbird.com</a>. </code> The post <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/the-protest-vote-and-the-magic-of-protestantism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Protest Vote and The Magic of Protestantism</a> appeared first on <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Persuasive Words</a>.

Episode 18: The Protest Vote and The Magic of Protestantism

Most people will recognize Stephen King’s It as the one about the killer clown. Which it is. But at 1100 pages, it has to be more than that, you know? In his dedication King writes: “Fiction is the truth inside the lie”—which, I’ll admit, I still don’t fully get—but that’s nevertheless a good place to begin investigating one of It’s running themes: extracting the truth from the lies, particularly the ones we tell ourselves. Centered around a group of raggle-taggle tweens, It is a story about growing up and facing fears, about selectively remembering (and discarding) our early painful memories. What the characters develop, as their first line of defense against the killer clown in question, is an elaborate but ultimately fragile method of narrative construction that carries them into adulthood: Mike Hanlon, one of the story’s protagonists, explains, “We lie best when we lie to ourselves.” It’s true for all of us. With the recent deluge of social studies concerning #confirmationbias, and with the self-righteousness of American politics cropping up wherever we look—not to mention moral dispatches from Starbucks cups—there’s never been a better time to take a second glance at the stories we tell ourselves. If spun right, “taking control of your narrative” can sound just as liberating as “taking a trip to Aruba”; but the late David Carr, in his memoir, The Night of the Gun, illustrates the exhausting side of this self-embossed coin: “You spread versions of yourself around, giving each person the truth he or she needs—you need, actually—to keep them at one remove.” So let’s get all our narratives in one place and talk about them, Friday, April 28, 3:30PM, at the 10th Annual Mockingbird Conference. We’ll discuss some of the best stories told by liars and madmen, including some by me and some by you. And—of course—we’ll talk about the great, final page-turner that illuminates the truth about us and pulls us into it, not as tragic heroes but as pardoned villains.

Most people will recognize Stephen King’s It as the one about the killer clown. Which it is. But at 1100 pages, it has to be more than that, you know? In his dedication King writes: “Fiction is the truth inside the lie”—which, I’ll admit, I still don’t fully get—but that’s nevertheless a good place to begin investigating one of It’s running themes: extracting the truth from the lies, particularly the ones we tell ourselves. Centered around a group of raggle-taggle tweens, It is a story about growing up and facing fears, about selectively remembering (and discarding) our early painful memories. What the characters develop, as their first line of defense against the killer clown in question, is an elaborate but ultimately fragile method of narrative construction that carries them into adulthood: Mike Hanlon, one of the story’s protagonists, explains, “We lie best when we lie to ourselves.” It’s true for all of us. With the recent deluge of social studies concerning #confirmationbias, and with the self-righteousness of American politics cropping up wherever we look—not to mention moral dispatches from Starbucks cups—there’s never been a better time to take a second glance at the stories we tell ourselves. If spun right, “taking control of your narrative” can sound just as liberating as “taking a trip to Aruba”; but the late David Carr, in his memoir, The Night of the Gun, illustrates the exhausting side of this self-embossed coin: “You spread versions of yourself around, giving each person the truth he or she needs—you need, actually—to keep them at one remove.” So let’s get all our narratives in one place and talk about them, Friday, April 28, 3:30PM, at the 10th Annual Mockingbird Conference. We’ll discuss some of the best stories told by liars and madmen, including some by me and some by you. And—of course—we’ll talk about the great, final page-turner that illuminates the truth about us and pulls us into it, not as tragic heroes but as pardoned villains.

Episode 105: Liars and Madmen and You: The Art of Narrative - CJ Green

This week we have Jacob Smith back on the podcast to talk about preaching and hearing sermons during Holy Week. David, Sarah and Scott also record live from the Mockingbird Tyler conference in the Lone Star State. The stars and night are big and bright, clap, clap, clap….!  The post Preaching and Hearing The Word In Holy Week And A Live Recording From #MbirdTyler2016 appeared first on New Persuasive Words.

<code><a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/adrift_Fotor-300x300.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-40220 nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we have Jacob Smith back on the podcast to talk about preaching and hearing sermons during Holy Week. David, Sarah and Scott also record live from the Mockingbird Tyler conference in the Lone Star State. The stars and night are big and bright, clap, clap, clap….! </code> The post <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com/preaching-and-hearing-the-word-in-holy-week-and-a-live-recording-from-mbirdtyler2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Preaching and Hearing The Word In Holy Week And A Live Recording From #MbirdTyler2016</a> appeared first on <a href="http://newpersuasivewords.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Persuasive Words</a>.

Episode 23: Preaching and Hearing The Word In Holy Week And A Live Recording From #MbirdTyler2016

Nicole Cliffe

Saturday morning talk at our 2017 Conference in New York City, given by Nicole Cliffe (The Toast). Delivered April 29th, 2017 at St George's Episcopal Church.

Saturday morning talk at our 2017 Conference in New York City, given by Nicole Cliffe (The Toast). Delivered April 29th, 2017 at St George's Episcopal Church.

Episode 91: Did It Have to Be Jesus? - Nicole Cliffe

Our first "proper" episode in eight months(!), David and Sarah are joined by new co-host RJ Heijmen, as they talk Disneyland, church types, sexual harassment, male libido, Advent, and the difference between justice and revenge. Click here to read the McSweeney's list. Click here to read Stephen Marche's article about Male Libido (and David's commentary on it.  Click here to read Abby Farson Pratt's article about the troublesome distinction between art and artist. Go here to Fleming Rutledge's Advent devotion.  And click here to subscribe to Scott Jones' terrific Give and Take podcast. 

Our first "proper" episode in eight months(!), David and Sarah are joined by new co-host RJ Heijmen, as they talk Disneyland, church types, sexual harassment, male libido, Advent, and the difference between justice and revenge. <a href="https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/types-of-church" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the McSweeney's list. <a href="http://www.mbird.com/2017/11/masculinity-in-crisis-unexamined-libidos-and-the-organizing-principle-of-lady-bird/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Stephen Marche's article about Male Libido (and David's commentary on it. <a href="http://www.mbird.com/2017/11/love-the-art-hate-the-artist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read Abby Farson Pratt's article about the troublesome distinction between art and artist. <a href="http://ruminations.generousorthodoxy.org/2011/11/advent-season-begins-in-dark.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Go here</a> to Fleming Rutledge's Advent devotion. And <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/give-and-take/id1054531804?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a> to subscribe to Scott Jones' terrific Give and Take podcast.

Episode 117: The Mockingcast Rides Again! 

Drew discusses how Christ keeps our feet moving.

Drew discusses how Christ keeps our feet moving.

Episode 106: Freedom in Christ, or, How We Can Do What You Do on the Dance Floor

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk procrastination, child-ing, and going home with Beth Moore. Also, RJ's three-year-old wakes up with a song in his heart.   To read Tim Kreider's article about procrastination, click here. To read Agnes Callard's article about panic and parenting, click here.  To read Wesley Hill's article about unnecessary gifts, click here.  And to read Sarah Condon's article about Beth Moore, go here. 

In which RJ, Sarah, and Dave talk procrastination, child-ing, and going home with Beth Moore. Also, RJ's three-year-old wakes up with a song in his heart. <ul> <li>To read Tim Kreider's article about procrastination, <a href="https://humanparts.medium.com/the-art-of-not-doing-art-95cdd7baee53" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li> <li>To read Agnes Callard's article about panic and parenting, <a href="https://thepointmag.com/examined-life/parenting-and-panic-agnes-callard/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. </li> <li>To read Wesley Hill's article about unnecessary gifts, <a href="https://thepointmag.com/examined-life/unnecessary-gifts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. </li> <li>And to read Sarah Condon's article about Beth Moore, <a href="https://mbird.com/2019/10/go-home/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go here</a>. </li></ul>

Episode 169: Optimizing the Broken

Our guest this week is Nadia Bolz-Weber. She is a pastor, author, speaker, fitness jedi and poster child for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Then the roundtable tackles fat shaming, date hating, food solidarity and the definition of a sermon.Special Guest: Nadia Bolz-Weber.

<code>Our guest this week is Nadia Bolz-Weber. She is a pastor, author, speaker, fitness jedi and poster child for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Then the roundtable tackles fat shaming, date hating, food solidarity and the definition of a sermon.Special Guest: Nadia Bolz-Weber.</code>

Episode 76: Pastrix

Our guest this week is Jeffrey Hanson, author of "Kierkegaard and the Life of Faith: The Aesthetic, the Ethical, and the Religious in 'Fear and Trembling'". Then the roundtable talks Yik Yak, the breeding grounds of resentment and more Melissa Febos.Special Guest: Jeffrey Hanson.

<code>Our guest this week is Jeffrey Hanson, author of "Kierkegaard and the Life of Faith: The Aesthetic, the Ethical, and the Religious in 'Fear and Trembling'". Then the roundtable talks Yik Yak, the breeding grounds of resentment and more Melissa Febos.Special Guest: Jeffrey Hanson.</code>

Episode 84: Fear and Trembling

Nick Lannon

Nick opens Mockingbird's "500 Years of Grace" Event in DC. 

Nick opens Mockingbird's "500 Years of Grace" Event in DC.

Episode 107: No, Actually I Don't Work Out - Nick Lannon

Jim McNeely

The time for the most wondrous conference – the Mockingbird NYC spring conference – has rolled around again, and the powers-that-be have condescended to let me come and do a breakout session! I’m going to talk about a book I’ve been writing for 3 years now called “The Word of the Cross.” I’m very excited about this material! The Cross is our Solution? The Corinthian church was a mess. There were divisions and theological quarrels and pride about obscure knowledge. Gross sexual sins were being tolerated. Church members were suing one another. There was idolatry, overeating at potlucks, and a carnal fascination with spiritual gifts. If anyone ever talks about the early church as a model of success, they certainly don’t mean this particular early church. Paul wades into this familiar-sounding morass of fleshliness and spiritual immaturity with a very unlikely message: For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Cor 1:18-2:5) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4) Paul considered the cross of Christ to be so important and central to this mess of a church that he began and ended his letter to them with it. In fact, he was determined to know nothing else among them, and he delivered it to them as of first importance. The question is, how does the cross of Christ speak to these terrible (if all too familiar) problems? Is it possible that the cross of Christ, far from being some obscure point of doctrine or the subject of strange and dusty old hymns, is in fact the power of God which holds the key to addressing the very real carnality and fleshliness in the church? The Word Made Flesh is a Crucified Word In the first chapter of the book of John, we learn that the “Word” which was in the beginning was with God, and was God. If Jesus Christ is the very word of God made flesh, then what is He saying to us? He didn’t just speak God’s words — He actually is God’s word. What is the message of this word of flesh and bone and blood? Of all the things He taught, there was no greater word than the cross. You can be certain that every word that Jesus spoke and every action He took was done in light of His crucifixion. When He rose from the dead, He was not raised as a completely healed man as if newborn. He retained the scars. His crucifixion has become an essential part of His identity. This preserved evidence of crucifixion was proof to the disciples of His identity, that the risen Savior is the the Savior who has suffered. He describes Himself to John in the vision as the One who was dead, who is alive forevermore (Rev 1:18). It is the Lamb standing, as if slain, who is worthy apart from all creatures, to open the scroll in the Father’s right hand (Rev 5:6). He is worthy because He was slain, and purchased men for God with His blood. (Rev 5:9). He is known as a slain lamb, and His worthiness is that He was slain. All of heaven understands the centrality of the cross of Christ. An Infinite Well of Atonement Theories There seems to be some controversy in some circles about whether this atonement theory or that atonement theory of the cross is true. I have come to think that not only are almost all of these theories true, but they are not even exclusive. The cross is speaking virtually everything that God ever wants to say to us at once – so many important and beautiful things! Far from being exclusive, these words of the cross are like the bones and sinew and organs and nerves which together make up a human body. They are like the many facets of a single exquisite diamond. They are like many rivers which come together to fill up the ocean. The cross speaks a powerful word of crushing law while at the same time it speaks a liberating word of lavish grace. The cross speaks forth perfect justice, and at once speaks forth a startling mercy. The cross speaks forth the wrath of God at the same time that it speaks forth an enduring declaration of the love of God. The cross speaks that God understands our suffering, and that our worst circumstance can be turned around to become something beautiful. The cross says that we will in Christ transcend the ever-present problem of evil within ourselves and all round about us. The cross speaks forth that God understands our suffering and is able to cause even our most grief-stricken and sorrowful times and our most shameful failures to turn out for good. The cross speaks forth a powerful grace in the form of penal substitution – for which I will give, not simply a biblical defense, but a philosophical defense. I hope everyone walks out convinced that this strange doctrine is really a very deep well of incredibly scandalous and delicious grace. In the end, the cross speaks forth a theologically profound word, and it also speaks forth a most tender and effectual pastoral word. The word of the cross speaks forth the only true transformation available to us as humans. The cross is the truest and surest word written supernaturally by the very finger of God Himself on the fabric of human history.

The time for the most wondrous conference – the Mockingbird NYC spring conference – has rolled around again, and the powers-that-be have condescended to let me come and do a breakout session! I’m going to talk about a book I’ve been writing for 3 years now called “The Word of the Cross.” I’m very excited about this material! The Cross is our Solution? The Corinthian church was a mess. There were divisions and theological quarrels and pride about obscure knowledge. Gross sexual sins were being tolerated. Church members were suing one another. There was idolatry, overeating at potlucks, and a carnal fascination with spiritual gifts. If anyone ever talks about the early church as a model of success, they certainly don’t mean this particular early church. Paul wades into this familiar-sounding morass of fleshliness and spiritual immaturity with a very unlikely message: For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Cor 1:18-2:5) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4) Paul considered the cross of Christ to be so important and central to this mess of a church that he began and ended his letter to them with it. In fact, he was determined to know nothing else among them, and he delivered it to them as of first importance. The question is, how does the cross of Christ speak to these terrible (if all too familiar) problems? Is it possible that the cross of Christ, far from being some obscure point of doctrine or the subject of strange and dusty old hymns, is in fact the power of God which holds the key to addressing the very real carnality and fleshliness in the church? The Word Made Flesh is a Crucified Word In the first chapter of the book of John, we learn that the “Word” which was in the beginning was with God, and was God. If Jesus Christ is the very word of God made flesh, then what is He saying to us? He didn’t just speak God’s words — He actually is God’s word. What is the message of this word of flesh and bone and blood? Of all the things He taught, there was no greater word than the cross. You can be certain that every word that Jesus spoke and every action He took was done in light of His crucifixion. When He rose from the dead, He was not raised as a completely healed man as if newborn. He retained the scars. His crucifixion has become an essential part of His identity. This preserved evidence of crucifixion was proof to the disciples of His identity, that the risen Savior is the the Savior who has suffered. He describes Himself to John in the vision as the One who was dead, who is alive forevermore (Rev 1:18). It is the Lamb standing, as if slain, who is worthy apart from all creatures, to open the scroll in the Father’s right hand (Rev 5:6). He is worthy because He was slain, and purchased men for God with His blood. (Rev 5:9). He is known as a slain lamb, and His worthiness is that He was slain. All of heaven understands the centrality of the cross of Christ. An Infinite Well of Atonement Theories There seems to be some controversy in some circles about whether this atonement theory or that atonement theory of the cross is true. I have come to think that not only are almost all of these theories true, but they are not even exclusive. The cross is speaking virtually everything that God ever wants to say to us at once – so many important and beautiful things! Far from being exclusive, these words of the cross are like the bones and sinew and organs and nerves which together make up a human body. They are like the many facets of a single exquisite diamond. They are like many rivers which come together to fill up the ocean. The cross speaks a powerful word of crushing law while at the same time it speaks a liberating word of lavish grace. The cross speaks forth perfect justice, and at once speaks forth a startling mercy. The cross speaks forth the wrath of God at the same time that it speaks forth an enduring declaration of the love of God. The cross speaks that God understands our suffering, and that our worst circumstance can be turned around to become something beautiful. The cross says that we will in Christ transcend the ever-present problem of evil within ourselves and all round about us. The cross speaks forth that God understands our suffering and is able to cause even our most grief-stricken and sorrowful times and our most shameful failures to turn out for good. The cross speaks forth a powerful grace in the form of penal substitution – for which I will give, not simply a biblical defense, but a philosophical defense. I hope everyone walks out convinced that this strange doctrine is really a very deep well of incredibly scandalous and delicious grace. In the end, the cross speaks forth a theologically profound word, and it also speaks forth a most tender and effectual pastoral word. The word of the cross speaks forth the only true transformation available to us as humans. The cross is the truest and surest word written supernaturally by the very finger of God Himself on the fabric of human history.

Episode 103: The Word of the Cross - Jim McNeely

After sharing their least anxious journal entries, Sarah, RJ and Dave come clean about loneliness, AA and self-forgetfulness. Also, RJ talks way too much about Spider-man. 

After sharing their least anxious journal entries, Sarah, RJ and Dave come clean about loneliness, AA and self-forgetfulness. Also, RJ talks way too much about Spider-man.

Episode 126: Some Kind of Sinners Anonymous

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!