The Church Hoppers break down a statement by Ken Carter, the bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, in which he gives 7 reasons "Why I believe The United Methodist Church will remain united."  We, frankly, found the reasons unconvincing at best, and offensive at worst. So, we decided to do YET ANOTHER podcast about the Methodists and their sex problem...but hey, why not? They've been having "holy conversations" about it for decades.  The first step, church, is admitting you have a problem.You can check out Bishop Carter's video on the Florida Conference website.

<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeOP8y2www8/WTnqyUFIKQI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/04yyXJZWb_8dBDz1xK0QFe5p0NkYao2zACLcB/s1600/church%2Bsplit.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The Church Hoppers break down a statement by Ken Carter, the bishop of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, in which he gives 7 reasons "Why I believe The United Methodist Church will remain united."  We, frankly, found the reasons unconvincing at best, and offensive at worst. So, we decided to do YET ANOTHER podcast about the Methodists and their sex problem...but hey, why not? They've been having "holy conversations" about it for decades.  The first step, church, is admitting you have a problem. You can check out Bishop Carter's video on the <a href="http://www.flumc.org/videodetail/why-i-believe-the-united-methodist-church-will-remain-united-8384939" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Florida Conference website.</a>

Seven Reasons the United Methodist Church Will Remain Divided

The Church Hoppers return to weigh in on the recent decision by the highest church court of the United Methodist Church that a jurisdiction of the church cannot appoint bishops in violation of the Discipline of the UMC.  Sound complicated?  It isn't...just a new headline for what has become an increasingly exasperating topic within the UMC.  We discuss why many "Progressives" in the UMC aren't, and what a real, substantive response would be for affirming clergy in any denomination, but specifically within the Methodist structure.

<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2kbDM5hHyQ/WQ_JOxoyygI/AAAAAAAAAd0/3yLrf39-BAQN_VEnjXL8qVxvrRv62wL1QCLcB/s1600/discipline-wesley.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>The Church Hoppers return to weigh in on the recent decision by the highest church court of the United Methodist Church that a jurisdiction of the church cannot appoint bishops in violation of the Discipline of the UMC.  Sound complicated?  It isn't...just a new headline for what has become an increasingly exasperating topic within the UMC.  We discuss why many "Progressives" in the UMC aren't, and what a real, substantive response would be for affirming clergy in any denomination, but specifically within the Methodist structure.

051 Methodists, Lesbians, and Bishops, Oh My!

This week we talk theories of the atonement of Jesus.  We discuss some major models of atonement, many of them substitutionary and most of them blood atonement in some fashion.  We talk about the illustrations we use to teach these theories and how they all get conflated.  By no means do we address all theories of the atonement of Christ.  But we do ask the question again and again...did Jesus really HAVE to die?  Why?  For whom?  To what end?

<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3W7-tUhSxHM/VvYIciOik2I/AAAAAAAAAc0/c2RxewhDPDMeQyBhE4Bsi-7-BKmo8mkaQ/s1600/Christofthebreadline.jpe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we talk theories of the atonement of Jesus.  We discuss some major models of atonement, many of them substitutionary and most of them blood atonement in some fashion.  We talk about the illustrations we use to teach these theories and how they all get conflated.  By no means do we address all theories of the atonement of Christ.  But we do ask the question again and again...did Jesus really HAVE to die?  Why?  For whom?  To what end?

050 Atonement: Did Jesus Have to Die?

HOME is our new "sermon series" where we break down what the phrase "spiritual home" or "church home" means to various people.  In the series, we will hear the experiences of a lot of people who are at home today in a very different place than what they called "home" before.  Join us and find yourself in their stories.This week, we talk with Scott. After 20 years in ministry as a Baptist pastor, Scott left the church altogether.  He explains why he could no longer be at home, not just in a Southern Baptist church, but in any local church at all.  He speaks to the church about priorities and loving neighbor, and he speaks words of encouragement to those who just can't go to church anymore.  Ultimately, home is right where it's always been--where the heart is.Check out Scott's blog entry about his leaving http://scottwelch.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-do-you-care-so-much-about-my-choices.html

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrOVYF0I2rE/Vp71peh83JI/AAAAAAAAAcM/rjrpLgy3gek/s1600/home.jpe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h4>HOME is our new "sermon series" where we break down what the phrase "spiritual home" or "church home" means to various people.  In the series, we will hear the experiences of a lot of people who are at home today in a very different place than what they called "home" before.  Join us and find yourself in their stories.</h4>This week, we talk with Scott. After 20 years in ministry as a Baptist pastor, Scott left the church altogether.  He explains why he could no longer be at home, not just in a Southern Baptist church, but in any local church at all.  He speaks to the church about priorities and loving neighbor, and he speaks words of encouragement to those who just can't go to church anymore.  Ultimately, home is right where it's always been--where the heart is. Check out Scott's blog entry about his leaving <a href="http://scottwelch.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-do-you-care-so-much-about-my-choices.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://scottwelch.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-do-you-care-so-much-about-my-choices.html</a>

049 HOME: No forwarding address (Leaving the Southern Baptist pastorate for home with the "Dones")

Circle

We interrupt our "sermon series" on HOME to sound off on the recent meeting of the Primates of the Anglican communion.  In light of episode 047, we felt it a good supplemental episode.  We feebly try to explain for the non-anglican layperson how the polity of the Communion works, and what exactly did and didn't happen at the Primates 2016 meeting in Canterbury, England.  We discuss homophobia, unity, provincial churches, sanctions and censure, and options that we as outsiders see that were available to the Primates but rejected in favor of their move to censure the Episcopal Church U.S.A.  We end by calling to the church to what the Presiding Bishop of the ECUSA, Michael Curry, called "the high calling" of drawing the circle wide...at least as wide as the women and men and children that are already a part of us...but hopefully even wider than that.  Amen.

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOC-V1py9w8/VqaM1_QfCAI/AAAAAAAAAcc/014R_g__4g8/s1600/primates.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>We interrupt our "sermon series" on HOME to sound off on the recent meeting of the Primates of the Anglican communion.  In light of episode 047, we felt it a good supplemental episode.  We feebly try to explain for the non-anglican layperson how the polity of the Communion works, and what exactly did and didn't happen at the Primates 2016 meeting in Canterbury, England.  We discuss homophobia, unity, provincial churches, sanctions and censure, and options that we as outsiders see that were available to the Primates but rejected in favor of their move to censure the Episcopal Church U.S.A.  We end by calling to the church to what the Presiding Bishop of the ECUSA, Michael Curry, called "the high calling" of drawing the circle wide...at least as wide as the women and men and children that are already a part of us...but hopefully even wider than that.  Amen.

048: Anglican Primates Meeting; The ECUSA, drawing conclusions, and drawing the circle wide

HOME is our new "sermon series" where we break down what the phrase "spiritual home" or "church home" means to various people.  In the series, we will hear the experiences of a lot of people who are at home today in a very different place than what they called "home" before.  Join us and find yourself in their stories.This week, we talk with Lissa.  She shares her own story of home and why the evangelical church of her youth was no longer a place she could call home.  Lissa embarks on a journey that leads her to where she is today: in an Episcopal church, transformed on social issues that weren't even the reason she left to begin with, and finding hope and life even beyond just the walls of her own church.

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BrOVYF0I2rE/Vp71peh83JI/AAAAAAAAAcI/HoJdqcCc9so/s1600/home.jpe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><h4>HOME is our new "sermon series" where we break down what the phrase "spiritual home" or "church home" means to various people.  In the series, we will hear the experiences of a lot of people who are at home today in a very different place than what they called "home" before.  Join us and find yourself in their stories.</h4>This week, we talk with Lissa.  She shares her own story of home and why the evangelical church of her youth was no longer a place she could call home.  Lissa embarks on a journey that leads her to where she is today: in an Episcopal church, transformed on social issues that weren't even the reason she left to begin with, and finding hope and life even beyond just the walls of her own church.

047 HOME: Change of Address (leaving evangelicalism & finding home in The Episcopal Church)

So on New Years Eve, Joshua and Wendy sat down to have ye old fashioned "Watch Night Service." Not clear on the details of all that?  Don't worry, neither was Wendy.  Not sure if it involves games and drinking?  Don't worry, neither was Joshua. So we sat down together and talked about all the different religious ways that Christians can ring in the New Year.  Well, some Christians.  And we begin this year the best way we know how, by podcasting as Church Hoppers...

046 A Church Hoppers Watch Night Service

This week, the Church Hoppers get a little preachy.  To help wind up the church year, we thought we might share some sage wisdom with churches of all stripes about how to get rid of those pesky "wow, this church stuff really sucks" critiques.  No, the sage wisdom doesn't come from us...although we are pretty sage and wise and stuff...but from a surprising source--The Bible.  I suppose it is a bit counter-intuitive.  We find three bits of advice for a church struggling with being generally sucky or a bit a-holeish.  Three points and a poem later, and you'll be on your way to improving your own church's reputation.  And, believe us, there are people who are paying attention to whether or not the church sucks.

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2utacChUvZ0/VlJwddi1j5I/AAAAAAAAAbA/nfPFdX2-Fh8/s1600/slander.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week, the Church Hoppers get a little preachy.  To help wind up the church year, we thought we might share some sage wisdom with churches of all stripes about how to get rid of those pesky "wow, this church stuff really sucks" critiques.  No, the sage wisdom doesn't come from us...although we are pretty sage and wise and stuff...but from a surprising source--The Bible.  I suppose it is a bit counter-intuitive.  We find three bits of advice for a church struggling with being generally sucky or a bit a-holeish.  Three points and a poem later, and you'll be on your way to improving your own church's reputation.  And, believe us, there are people who are paying attention to whether or not the church sucks.

045 Slanderous!  Churchsplaining, Sucky Churches, & Prophetic Solutions

This week we went to visit a Pagan worship service celebrating the Pagan new year, "Samhain" (sounds like "Sah-oo-in" in two syllables).  Rather than becoming apostate heretics, we find ourselves at home in the Pagan rituals, as we draw the connections between what we've always done as Christians and the rituals based on those of older cultures, especially in medieval Europe.  We are joined by Jake, who gives us the low-down on Paganism/Wicca and helps dispel some misconceptions. We talk about the history of neo-paganism, and Wicca.  We define terms like "coven" "magick" "spell" and we talk about how we have all of these things in Christianity, just under different names.  It turns out that Pagans are just like us!  Finally, we tell about our experience in the circle, what we saw and felt, and how we interpreted it from our faith perspective. For a more OFFICIAL view of Paganism or to find a meeting of Pagans/Wiccans near you, visit witchvox.com

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gVh5VZXLNzs/VkqUQjPnolI/AAAAAAAAAas/ewVSZ41w_u8/s1600/pagan1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we went to visit a Pagan worship service celebrating the Pagan new year, "Samhain" (sounds like "Sah-oo-in" in two syllables).  Rather than becoming apostate heretics, we find ourselves at home in the Pagan rituals, as we draw the connections between what we've always done as Christians and the rituals based on those of older cultures, especially in medieval Europe.  We are joined by Jake, who gives us the low-down on Paganism/Wicca and helps dispel some misconceptions. We talk about the history of neo-paganism, and Wicca.  We define terms like "coven" "magick" "spell" and we talk about how we have all of these things in Christianity, just under different names.  It turns out that Pagans are just like us!  Finally, we tell about our experience in the circle, what we saw and felt, and how we interpreted it from our faith perspective. For a more OFFICIAL view of Paganism or to find a meeting of Pagans/Wiccans near you, visit <a href="http://witchvox.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">witchvox.com</a>

044: Pagans, They're Just Like Us!

This week we visit the second largest group to come from Joseph Smith's movement.  Formerly they were known as "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" or RLDS, but since 2001 they have been known as "Community of Christ."  We discuss the strange and intriguing history of this "not the Utah Mormons!" sect that, today, ordains women, is ok with gay marriage in many places, and no longer believes it is the "One True Church" (TM, all rights reserved).  We talk about their temple in Independence, Missouri (in the place where Joseph Smith said it would be) that is open to the public and dedicated to peace.  We talk about how a sect with such an unusual history has a pretty normal church service and we converse about our experience in one small congregation.  Finally (about the last 15 minutes of the episode, in fact), Joshua asks some members how they feel about marrying gay people and that's when it got interesting...For a more OFFICIAL view of the Community of Christ, visit their website at cofchrist.org

This week we visit the second largest group to come from Joseph Smith's movement.  Formerly they were known as "The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" or RLDS, but since 2001 they have been known as "Community of Christ."  We discuss the strange and intriguing history of this "not the Utah Mormons!" sect that, today, ordains women, is ok with gay marriage in many places, and no longer believes it is the "One True Church" (TM, all rights reserved).  We talk about their temple in Independence, Missouri (in the place where Joseph Smith said it would be) that is open to the public and dedicated to peace.  We talk about how a sect with such an unusual history has a pretty normal church service and we converse about our experience in one small congregation.  Finally (about the last 15 minutes of the episode, in fact), Joshua asks some members how they feel about marrying gay people and that's when it got interesting... For a more OFFICIAL view of the Community of Christ, visit their website at <a href="http://cofchrist.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cofchrist.org</a>

043 Community of Christ, the "other Mormons," revelation, and the gay agenda

Join Wendy and Joshua as they travel around to attend church...so you don't have to.  Enjoy their experience with various religious sects.  After all, religious people have the best sects!

I am a wrong hardline Christian. I love this area because I get to see someone else&#39;s  point of view.

Christian

Great app

The Church Hoppers Podcast

This week we return to worship with our Presbyterian friends; This time, a congregation of the PCUSA.  We explore their history, with a musical journey through the high points of their 20th century milestones.  We discuss some of the recent developments that led this denomination from being a fundamentalist affirming group in the early 1900s (during the moernist/fundamentalist debates) to embracing a much more broad theology, with a bent toward social justice.  We also discuss the schisms that this has produced both in the denomination and in local churches.  (We visited one such schismatic denomination that broke with the PCUSA early on, in episode 31).  Finally, we discuss the worship experience we had, the organ music, the liturgy, and why the whole church didn't say the creed this Sunday.  And we do it in exactly 1 hour and 57 seconds...very Presbyterian of us, we think.For an OFFICIAL view of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), visit their website at pcusa.org.

This week we return to worship with our Presbyterian friends; This time, a congregation of the PCUSA.  We explore their history, with a musical journey through the high points of their 20th century milestones.  We discuss some of the recent developments that led this denomination from being a fundamentalist affirming group in the early 1900s (during the moernist/fundamentalist debates) to embracing a much more broad theology, with a bent toward social justice.  We also discuss the schisms that this has produced both in the denomination and in local churches.  (We visited one such schismatic denomination that broke with the PCUSA early on, in <a href="http://www.churchhopperspodcast.com/2015/06/031-orthodox-presbyterian-church-frozen.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">episode 31</a>).  Finally, we discuss the worship experience we had, the organ music, the liturgy, and why the whole church didn't say the creed this Sunday.  And we do it in exactly 1 hour and 57 seconds...very Presbyterian of us, we think. For an OFFICIAL view of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), visit their website at <a href="http://pcusa.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pcusa.org</a>.

041: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), women preachers, and gays, oh my!

This week we are joined by Verdell, a United Church of Christ minister and doctoral candidate in communications at Howard University.  He joined us for a podcast about creating more worship spaces for LGBTQ African Americans on Episode 015.  We discuss an area he has studied and experienced, evangelical culture.  We discuss what the historical roots of evangelicalism are, define evangelical characteristics and how it isn't its country cousin, fundamentalism.  Joshua argues with Verdell contending that Billy Graham is totally a fundamentalist (he isn't, and now Joshua knows why) and we talk about the pro-life phenomenon of the 60s.  We discuss how the pro-life movement was actually just a smoke-screen for white-supremacist Christians...and continues to be a smoke screen.For more from Verdell, visit his blog at reboot4life.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter @mr_wrightaway

This week we are joined by Verdell, a United Church of Christ minister and doctoral candidate in communications at Howard University.  He joined us for a podcast about creating more worship spaces for LGBTQ African Americans on <a href="http://www.churchhopperspodcast.com/2015/01/015-creating-more-worship-spaces-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 015</a>.  We discuss an area he has studied and experienced, evangelical culture.  We discuss what the historical roots of evangelicalism are, define evangelical characteristics and how it isn't its country cousin, fundamentalism.  Joshua argues with Verdell contending that Billy Graham is totally a fundamentalist (he isn't, and now Joshua knows why) and we talk about the pro-life phenomenon of the 60s.  We discuss how the pro-life movement was actually just a smoke-screen for white-supremacist Christians...and continues to be a smoke screen. For more from Verdell, visit his blog at <a href="http://reboot4life.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reboot4life.wordpress.com</a> and follow him on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/mr_wrightaway" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mr_wrightaway</a>

036 Evangelical Culture, fundamentalism, Billy Graham, and why thepro-life movement was about racism

Episode 025 Big Gay Church, the UCC, why your church needs to be LGBTQ affirming, &amp; how not to get thereThis week we visit one of the largest predominately Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer congregations in the nation.  It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and we give a brief overview of that denomination.  We discuss why it's ok for a church to identify as an LGBTQ congregation ("I mean, we wouldn't say we are a STRAIGHT church, would we?!" aka heterosexual privilege) and why most churches need to get their sh*+ together about the queer community...yesterday.  We talk about our own experiences with a church making the journey to become officially open and affirming, and all the things we learned NOT to do...the hard way.  We talk about the spiritual violence done to LGBTQ people by "moderate" "silent" and "holy conversation" church.  And we discuss why our experience worshiping in this congregation, with it's money, large buildings, paid clergy staff, bookstore, and every other symbol of power and institution, was still a positive worship experience.In the episode, Joshua references a blog he wrote about a not-so-"holy conversation" experience in a denominational setting.  That blog, "When Holy Conversation Isn't Holy" can be found at  http://ellipsisthought.blogspot.com/2013/07/when-holy-conversation-isnt-holy.htmlFor an OFFICIAL view of the United Church of Christ, visit their website at ucc.org

Episode 025 Big Gay Church, the UCC, why your church needs to be LGBTQ affirming, &amp; how not to get there <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_dHmuxXimY/VTWAONf-8ZI/AAAAAAAAARs/VPTlGkz6YpI/s1600/gay.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we visit one of the largest predominately Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer congregations in the nation.  It is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and we give a brief overview of that denomination.  We discuss why it's ok for a church to identify as an LGBTQ congregation ("I mean, we wouldn't say we are a STRAIGHT church, would we?!" aka heterosexual privilege) and why most churches need to get their sh*+ together about the queer community...yesterday.  We talk about our own experiences with a church making the journey to become officially open and affirming, and all the things we learned NOT to do...the hard way.  We talk about the spiritual violence done to LGBTQ people by "moderate" "silent" and "holy conversation" church.  And we discuss why our experience worshiping in this congregation, with it's money, large buildings, paid clergy staff, bookstore, and every other symbol of power and institution, was still a positive worship experience. In the episode, Joshua references a blog he wrote about a not-so-"holy conversation" experience in a denominational setting.  That blog, "<a href="http://ellipsisthought.blogspot.com/2013/07/when-holy-conversation-isnt-holy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When Holy Conversation Isn't Holy</a>" can be found at  <a href="http://ellipsisthought.blogspot.com/2013/07/when-holy-conversation-isnt-holy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://ellipsisthought.blogspot.com/2013/07/when-holy-conversation-isnt-holy.html</a> For an OFFICIAL view of the United Church of Christ, visit their website at <a href="http://ucc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ucc.org</a>

025 Big Gay Church, the UCC, why your church needs to be LGBTQ affirming, & how not to get there

Episode 030 Pentecost w/the Pentecostals (Assemblies of God), Memorial Day, and CocktailsThis week we revisited our Pentecostal friends, but this time with the Assemblies of God denomination.  Wendy's sister, Carla, joins us to share our cocktail of the week (in place of the wine of the week) and it is delicious.  We discuss a brief history of the Assemblies of God, and what makes them different from other Pentecostal denominations and other Christian sects.  We discuss why we chose Pentecost Sunday to revisit the Pentecostals, why we were the only ones in that sanctuary who knew or cared that it was Pentecostal Sunday, Joshua points out that Wendy wore the wrong color for Pentecost--and Wendy reminds Joshua that he isn't exactly a trend setter.  Joshua talks about what made this service surprisingly boring for him, having had a history in the Pentecostal movement.  We especially discuss the significance of Memorial Day in this service and the way in which the church sometimes engages in nationalistic idol worship, but we also discuss the struggle that Christians have in taking time to talk about the human cost of war and provide space in communities of faith for those who have experienced it firsthand.Carla's "King Kong" cocktail recipe:A rocks glass with crushed or cubed ice1 Church Hoppers Shotglass (or any 1 oz shot glass) of Svetka Strawberry Colada (vodka)1 oz Malibu Rum (or other coconut rum)1 oz pineapple juice1/4 oz of sweetened lime juiceA splash of SpriteChopped strawberries for the garnishStir and enjoy!For an OFFICIAL view of the Assemblies of God, visit their website ag.org

Episode 030 Pentecost w/the Pentecostals (Assemblies of God), Memorial Day, and Cocktails <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qjP0JcSkDYA/VWUIhhkXIZI/AAAAAAAAATw/vBIgmJRH8Hs/s1600/ag.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we revisited our Pentecostal friends, but this time with the Assemblies of God denomination.  Wendy's sister, Carla, joins us to share our cocktail of the week (in place of the wine of the week) and it is delicious.  We discuss a brief history of the Assemblies of God, and what makes them different from other Pentecostal denominations and other Christian sects.  We discuss why we chose Pentecost Sunday to revisit the Pentecostals, why we were the only ones in that sanctuary who knew or cared that it was Pentecostal Sunday, Joshua points out that Wendy wore the wrong color for Pentecost--and Wendy reminds Joshua that he isn't exactly a trend setter.  Joshua talks about what made this service surprisingly boring for him, having had a history in the Pentecostal movement.  We especially discuss the significance of Memorial Day in this service and the way in which the church sometimes engages in nationalistic idol worship, but we also discuss the struggle that Christians have in taking time to talk about the human cost of war and provide space in communities of faith for those who have experienced it firsthand. Carla's "King Kong" cocktail recipe: A rocks glass with crushed or cubed ice 1 Church Hoppers Shotglass (or any 1 oz shot glass) of Svetka Strawberry Colada (vodka) 1 oz Malibu Rum (or other coconut rum) 1 oz pineapple juice 1/4 oz of sweetened lime juice A splash of Sprite Chopped strawberries for the garnish Stir and enjoy! For an OFFICIAL view of the Assemblies of God, visit their website <a href="http://ag.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ag.org</a>

030 Pentecost w/the Pentecostals (Assemblies of God), Memorial Day, and Cocktail

Episode 022 Unitarian Universalists, finding home within, readings, readings, and more readingsThis week, we attended a Sunday service for the first Sunday of Spring at a Unitarian Universalist church.  Wendy announces her departure from the podcast after finding a place to call home (just kidding).  We explore this non-sectarian church which has its roots in Christianity but very much bills itself as a church that sees, in the Great Tradition, the Truth and Light within many faith traditions.  We explore what progressive, non-specific spiritual religion looks like.  We talk about why atheists or agnostics would even WANT to attend church with people of various faith views (or with anyone)...and we talk about why we'd want to as well.  We talk about when too many really great readings become...well, too many.  And we marvel at the wonder of nature and our own seasons of spiritual death, rebirth, and transition.For an OFFICIAL view of the Unitarian Universalist Association, visit their website at uua.org

Episode 022 Unitarian Universalists, finding home within, readings, readings, and more readings <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha_6Gr4FrZQ/VRR5GlIyghI/AAAAAAAAAQk/VzJ__YKxPBE/s1600/uu.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week, we attended a Sunday service for the first Sunday of Spring at a Unitarian Universalist church.  Wendy announces her departure from the podcast after finding a place to call home (just kidding).  We explore this non-sectarian church which has its roots in Christianity but very much bills itself as a church that sees, in the Great Tradition, the Truth and Light within many faith traditions.  We explore what progressive, non-specific spiritual religion looks like.  We talk about why atheists or agnostics would even WANT to attend church with people of various faith views (or with anyone)...and we talk about why we'd want to as well.  We talk about when too many really great readings become...well, too many.  And we marvel at the wonder of nature and our own seasons of spiritual death, rebirth, and transition. For an OFFICIAL view of the Unitarian Universalist Association, <a href="http://uua.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit their website at uua.org</a>

022 Unitarian Universalists, finding home within, readings, readings, and more readings

This week we packed our bags and hit the road in search of God's ONLY true church upon the Earth.  Let me tell you, it isn't where I would've put it if I were God.  But as our brethren and sisteren in the Church of God (Restored) will probably tell you, I'm definitely not God...so what would I know?  We discuss this unique sect, their holiness code that keeps them distinct from both the world AND other churches (and even other "churches of God").  We talk about some of the surprising things about this sect that you wouldn't expect from a group of people who choose to dress and believe so very conservatively.  We also discuss our long road trip that ended in a little disappointment when we finally arrived at God's one true church upon the Earth (Texas congregation).For an OFFICIAL view of The Church of God (Restoration), visit their website at churchofgod.net

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRBRodinm-I/VeUuGmkHjqI/AAAAAAAAAV8/E6vONVt8_PM/s1600/churchofgodrest.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we packed our bags and hit the road in search of God's ONLY true church upon the Earth.  Let me tell you, it isn't where I would've put it if I were God.  But as our brethren and sisteren in the Church of God (Restored) will probably tell you, I'm definitely not God...so what would I know?  We discuss this unique sect, their holiness code that keeps them distinct from both the world AND other churches (and even other "churches of God").  We talk about some of the surprising things about this sect that you wouldn't expect from a group of people who choose to dress and believe so very conservatively.  We also discuss our long road trip that ended in a little disappointment when we finally arrived at God's one true church upon the Earth (Texas congregation). For an OFFICIAL view of The Church of God (Restoration), visit their website at <a href="http://churchofgod.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">churchofgod.net</a>

033 The Church of God (Restoration), Weird Dress Codes, and the One True Church

Grace Brethren

Episode 018 The Grace Brethren Churches, church splits, the ties that bind, more splits, and what happens when the hand doesn't go under in a Baptist baptism.This week we visited a church that is part of the Brethren movement, specifically part of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.  We hike through the history of the Brethren movement and the 100s of splits (don't worry, we only hit the top 3 or 4).  We talk about what happens at a Baptist church (well, some) when the candidate for baptism has a hand that stays out of the water during FULL immersion.  We discuss why asking for our last names as first time visitors creeps us out.  We also discuss a moment in the announcement time of all times when we felt the Spirit speak truth to us about a few dresses being sown for refugee girls in the CAR (Central African Republic).  "It's just a drop in the bucket," the man said "but that shouldn't stop us from starting to do good."  We talk about the moments we spend among people of faith that look very different from us but when we feel the ties that really bind us together. For an OFFICIAL view of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, visit fcgb.orgFor an article related to the crisis in the CAR that this local church was helping to bring a drop of hope to, see Foreign Policy's "Escape from a nightmare"

<h4>Episode 018 The Grace Brethren Churches, church splits, the ties that bind, more splits, and what happens when the hand doesn't go under in a Baptist baptism.</h4><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjiI4NzR324/VOlHnDnKh5I/AAAAAAAAAOg/L0IYUUSzZAo/s1600/drop.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we visited a church that is part of the Brethren movement, specifically part of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches.  We hike through the history of the Brethren movement and the 100s of splits (don't worry, we only hit the top 3 or 4).  We talk about what happens at a Baptist church (well, some) when the candidate for baptism has a hand that stays out of the water during FULL immersion.  We discuss why asking for our last names as first time visitors creeps us out.  We also discuss a moment in the announcement time of all times when we felt the Spirit speak truth to us about a few dresses being sown for refugee girls in the CAR (Central African Republic).  "It's just a drop in the bucket," the man said "but that shouldn't stop us from starting to do good."  We talk about the moments we spend among people of faith that look very different from us but when we feel the ties that really bind us together. For an OFFICIAL view of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, visit <a href="http://fcgb.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fcgb.org</a> For an article related to the crisis in the CAR that this local church was helping to bring a drop of hope to, see <a href="http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/12/11/escape-from-a-nightmare-car-muslims-seleka-anti-balaka/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foreign Policy's "Escape from a nightmare"</a>

018 The Grace Brethren Churches, church splits, the ties that bind, more splits, and what happens when the hand doesn't go under in a Baptist baptism.

Episode 021 "Fake" church, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), &amp; a discussion on intercessory prayerThis week, we attended a midweek service of what we initially thought was a non-denominational church.  We found out it was affiliated with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), a Pentecostal denomination.  We give it the label of "fake church" (a label we borrow and break down to really explain what that means...it isn't as bad as it sounds).  We discuss characteristics of churches that are trying really hard to be relevant (it isn't always a bad thing).  Then we dive into the sermon which was on prayer.  We ask hard questions like "if I survive a car wreck and that means God answered the prayers of people who were interceding for me, why did God let others die who were also being prayed for?" and "if you don't believe prayer is cause and effect, then why pray for others at all?"  We end up with a question Joshua poses to Wendy..."how should we teach children to pray?"  Here's a quote from part of Wendy's answer:  You can't tell children that the bad is not going to come.  But what you can tell them is that the God that is there at the beginning of the prayer will be the God at the end...What you want to happen may not happen, but God is there through the whole process...you are not alone.For an OFFICIAL view of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) visit their website at churchofgod.org

Episode 021 "Fake" church, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), &amp; a discussion on intercessory prayer <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIFQEArXMfg/VQnxiH0J9kI/AAAAAAAAAQM/RpVk5XPqGyY/s1600/church_lead%2C0.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week, we attended a midweek service of what we initially thought was a non-denominational church.  We found out it was affiliated with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), a Pentecostal denomination.  We give it the label of "fake church" (a label we borrow and break down to really explain what that means...it isn't as bad as it sounds).  We discuss characteristics of churches that are trying really hard to be relevant (it isn't always a bad thing).  Then we dive into the sermon which was on prayer.  We ask hard questions like "if I survive a car wreck and that means God answered the prayers of people who were interceding for me, why did God let others die who were also being prayed for?" and "if you don't believe prayer is cause and effect, then why pray for others at all?"  We end up with a question Joshua poses to Wendy..."how should we teach children to pray?"  Here's a quote from part of Wendy's answer:  You can't tell children that the bad is not going to come.  But what you can tell them is that the God that is there at the beginning of the prayer will be the God at the end...What you want to happen may not happen, but God is there through the whole process...you are not alone. For an OFFICIAL view of the <a href="http://churchofgod.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Church of God (Cleveland, TN) visit their website at churchofgod.org</a>

021 "Fake" church, Church of God (Cleveland, TN), & a discussion on intercessory prayer

Episode 019 Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, why churches need to go to the bar more, what's wrong with our worship, and hope outside the wallsThis weekend we skipped church and went to a Piano Bar on Saturday night.  If you think that doesn't count as worship, then you'll definitely want to hear this podcast.  We discuss why church people need to go to bars more often, the gospel in the context of a bar, why worship services need to be more like a piano bar (SING LOUDER!), and how the church can find hope for itself beyond the walls and the steeple...among God's people.  This podcast started out tongue-in-cheek, but got deep really quickly...in the spirit of the Lenten season we are in, we urge you to go to your local bar, change your minds (repent), and believe the good news (the gospel).  And maybe have a few drinks and sing really loud.For an OFFICIAL view of Pete's Dueling Piano Bars, visit their website.

Episode 019 Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, why churches need to go to the bar more, what's wrong with our worship, and hope outside the walls <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PjT4vYl0gA/VO-fnBIxgvI/AAAAAAAAAPA/adJLp797bwI/s1600/pianobarcollage.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This weekend we skipped church and went to a Piano Bar on Saturday night.  If you think that doesn't count as worship, then you'll definitely want to hear this podcast.  We discuss why church people need to go to bars more often, the gospel in the context of a bar, why worship services need to be more like a piano bar (SING LOUDER!), and how the church can find hope for itself beyond the walls and the steeple...among God's people.  This podcast started out tongue-in-cheek, but got deep really quickly...in the spirit of the Lenten season we are in, we urge you to go to your local bar, change your minds (repent), and believe the good news (the gospel).  And maybe have a few drinks and sing really loud. For an OFFICIAL view of Pete's Dueling Piano Bars, <a href="http://www.petesduelingpianobar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visit their website.</a>

019 Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, why churches need to go to the bar more, what's wrong with our worship, and hope outside the walls

Episode 031 Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Frozen Chosen, Whiskey, and Predestination.After a few weeks of silence from us (damned cracked laptop screen) we FINALLY return with an amazing, over-the-top, *ahem*, very decent, orderly, and stiff review of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Don't confuse this small, conservative sect of Presbyterianism with the groups often thought of as "mainline" Presbyterians, but DO learn about the larger Calvinist and Reformed movement as we explore this sect's history.  We try a shot of whiskey (stiff enough for the staunchest Presbyterian) and we decide to never do it again (the whiskey or the OPC?  We'll let you decide...).  We talk about the dangers of defining denominations as "Biblical," discuss various polities, Presbyterianism being one, and we DO discuss the concept of "The Frozen Chosen" and why that doesn't have to be a bad thing.  We also cover what the hell (literally) is predestination...and hopefully Joshua sort of got it right.  Presbyterians/Reformed folk, let us know...For an OFFICIAL view of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, visit their website at opc.org

Episode 031 Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Frozen Chosen, Whiskey, and Predestination. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pJbvtjmxbI/VX-HieqCbVI/AAAAAAAAAUU/-qLxsGDgjWE/s1600/predestine2.png" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>After a few weeks of silence from us (damned cracked laptop screen) we FINALLY return with an amazing, over-the-top, *ahem*, very decent, orderly, and stiff review of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Don't confuse this small, conservative sect of Presbyterianism with the groups often thought of as "mainline" Presbyterians, but DO learn about the larger Calvinist and Reformed movement as we explore this sect's history.  We try a shot of whiskey (stiff enough for the staunchest Presbyterian) and we decide to never do it again (the whiskey or the OPC?  We'll let you decide...).  We talk about the dangers of defining denominations as "Biblical," discuss various polities, Presbyterianism being one, and we DO discuss the concept of "The Frozen Chosen" and why that doesn't have to be a bad thing.  We also cover what the hell (literally) is predestination...and hopefully Joshua sort of got it right.  Presbyterians/Reformed folk, let us know... For an OFFICIAL view of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, visit their website at <a href="http://opc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">opc.org</a>

031 Orthodox Presbyterian Church, the Frozen Chosen, Whiskey, and Predestination

Jim Jones

This week we visited a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  We talk about the recent history of this denomination since its beginnings in the Stone-Campbell movement.  In this episode we'll answer these questions about the CCDOC: Are the Disciples conservative or liberal?  Was Jim Jones REALLY a Disciples minister?  Will they baptize babies?  What was their position on slavery?  What does slavery have to do with human sexuality issues today?Let's just say, this ain't your grandad's Disciples of Christ podcast episode.For an OFFICIAL view of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), visit their website at Disciples.org

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1wJXPVTaHI/VeetWouAaqI/AAAAAAAAAXI/1vtbVgUjVI8/s1600/doc.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we visited a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  We talk about the recent history of this denomination since its beginnings in the Stone-Campbell movement.  In this episode we'll answer these questions about the CCDOC: Are the Disciples conservative or liberal?  Was Jim Jones REALLY a Disciples minister?  Will they baptize babies?  What was their position on slavery?  What does slavery have to do with human sexuality issues today? Let's just say, this ain't your grandad's Disciples of Christ podcast episode. For an OFFICIAL view of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), visit their website at <a href="http://disciples.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disciples.org</a>

035 The Disciples of Christ, Jim Jones, and infant baptism

This week we travel deeper into Texas culture and further and further away from our comfort zones to visit a Cowboy Church.  We talk about the origins of the cowboy church movement and how they are often undercover denominational churches.  We talk about why there is a big lack of racial diversity in said churches, and why niche marketing might be beneficial and detrimental.  We talk about how all churches run the risk of narrowing the gospel to reach their particular market.  So saddle up your horse and hit the happy trail with the Church Hoppers for another adventure (which, evidently, won't be the last one of its kind).For an OFFICIAL view of Cowboy Churches, visit the website of the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches at americanfcc.org/CORRECTION: On the podcast, Joshua gave the URL of the AFCC as AFCC.org.  This was in error and the actual website is americanfcc.org .  Our apologies to the AFCC for any confusion.

This week we travel deeper into Texas culture and further and further away from our comfort zones to visit a Cowboy Church.  We talk about the origins of the cowboy church movement and how they are often undercover denominational churches.  We talk about why there is a big lack of racial diversity in said churches, and why niche marketing might be beneficial and detrimental.  We talk about how all churches run the risk of narrowing the gospel to reach their particular market.  So saddle up your horse and hit the happy trail with the Church Hoppers for another adventure (which, evidently, won't be the last one of its kind). For an OFFICIAL view of Cowboy Churches, visit the website of the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches at <a href="http://americanfcc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">americanfcc.org/</a> CORRECTION: On the podcast, Joshua gave the URL of the AFCC as <a href="http://AFCC.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AFCC.org</a>.  This was in error and the actual website is <a href="http://americanfcc.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">americanfcc.org</a> .  Our apologies to the AFCC for any confusion.

034 Cowboy Church, Confederate flags, and Niche Market Churches

This week we take a break from church to talk about church news.  We discuss a few articles about church-related stuff being reported around the country and the world.  Here's what we discussed and links to the articles referenced:Bruce Jenner and God's Response to Trangendered People  We talk about the recent interview of Bruce Jenner, pronouns, and why Christians aren't loving or affirming anyone if they can't love and affirm transgendered individuals.A Texas Woman Might Use The 'Religious Freedom' Law In The Most Amazing Way Possible We discuss recent city ordinances that prohibit feeding homeless neighbors.  We talk about whose responsibility it is to feed the poor (and, perhaps surprisingly to some listeners, we don't think it's just the church).  We also talk about why "religious freedom" laws are an assault on true Christian values.United Methodist Church Raises Millions In Small Donations To Fight Malaria We take a moment to talk about the good work done by our Methodist neighbors and we even admit that there are ways in which hierarchy and organization can be beneficial.Televangelist Creflo Dollar Defends His Plans For $65 Million Private Jet: 'I Dare You To Tell Me I Can't Dream'  We tackle prosperity gospel, and the problem of money for the Christian Church.Push for Buses on Sabbath Sets Off Debate in Israel Finally, we banter about the separation of church and state and what challenges that presents in a country like Israel...and how those challenges are being faced by some religious people and their neighbors in this country too.

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RDziednMCxY/VUbB3rDqKmI/AAAAAAAAASY/fptMPt9pIqk/s1600/churchlady3.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we take a break from church to talk about church news.  We discuss a few articles about church-related stuff being reported around the country and the world.  Here's what we discussed and links to the articles referenced: <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/teachingnonviolentatonement/2015/04/bruce-jenner-and-gods-response-to-transgendered-people/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bruce Jenner and God's Response to Trangendered People</a>  We talk about the recent interview of Bruce Jenner, pronouns, and why Christians aren't loving or affirming anyone if they can't love and affirm transgendered individuals. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/15/homeless-feeding_n_7066860.html?ir=Religion&amp;ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Texas Woman Might Use The 'Religious Freedom' Law In The Most Amazing Way Possible</a> We discuss recent city ordinances that prohibit feeding homeless neighbors.  We talk about whose responsibility it is to feed the poor (and, perhaps surprisingly to some listeners, we don't think it's just the church).  We also talk about why "religious freedom" laws are an assault on true Christian values. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/23/united-methodist-church-global-fund_n_7121028.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Methodist Church Raises Millions In Small Donations To Fight Malaria</a> We take a moment to talk about the good work done by our Methodist neighbors and we even admit that there are ways in which hierarchy and organization can be beneficial. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/23/creflo-dollar-jet_n_7129548.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Televangelist Creflo Dollar Defends His Plans For $65 Million Private Jet: 'I Dare You To Tell Me I Can't Dream'</a>  We tackle prosperity gospel, and the problem of money for the Christian Church. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/26/world/middleeast/push-for-buses-on-sabbath-sets-off-debate-in-israel.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150425&amp;nlid=20621639&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Push for Buses on Sabbath Sets Off Debate in Israel</a> Finally, we banter about the separation of church and state and what challenges that presents in a country like Israel...and how those challenges are being faced by some religious people and their neighbors in this country too.

027 Church Newsletter, transgender neighbors, feeding the homeless, fighting malaria, televangelist jets, and Sabbath laws

This week we joined our Southern Baptist neighbors for church.  We begin the episode by saying that we couldn't visit a convention of churches founded by slaveholding motivations without talking about the terrorist attack at Emanuel AME church in Charleston South Carolina.  We discuss the uncomfortable and damning silence of white Protestant churches that refuse to confess and repent of racism in our past and present. Wendy tells us about the wine of the day and we promptly toast all of the happy couples in light of the Supreme Court ruling giving marriage equality nationwide!  We discuss the history of the Baptists in America, and how they moved from the persecuted powerless to the powerful persecutors in many cases.  We discuss slavery's indelible imprint on Southern Baptists and why they won't ever get past it...because they don't want to talk about it.  We talk about the service we attended and the desperation many feel and see across Christendom in the United States as we look around and see the decline of our once-thriving churches.  Finally, we talk about what Baptists are really good at...or at least we think they are...recruitment!For an OFFICIAL view of the Southern Baptist Convention, visit their website at sbc.net

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tUo7MAdtDqE/VZX1sCQimTI/AAAAAAAAAU8/8r1PYWztOuo/s1600/baptism.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we joined our Southern Baptist neighbors for church.  We begin the episode by saying that we couldn't visit a convention of churches founded by slaveholding motivations without talking about the terrorist attack at Emanuel AME church in Charleston South Carolina.  We discuss the uncomfortable and damning silence of white Protestant churches that refuse to confess and repent of racism in our past and present. Wendy tells us about the wine of the day and we promptly toast all of the happy couples in light of the Supreme Court ruling giving marriage equality nationwide!  We discuss the history of the Baptists in America, and how they moved from the persecuted powerless to the powerful persecutors in many cases.  We discuss slavery's indelible imprint on Southern Baptists and why they won't ever get past it...because they don't want to talk about it.  We talk about the service we attended and the desperation many feel and see across Christendom in the United States as we look around and see the decline of our once-thriving churches.  Finally, we talk about what Baptists are really good at...or at least we think they are...recruitment! For an OFFICIAL view of the Southern Baptist Convention, visit their website at <a href="http://sbc.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sbc.net</a>

032 Southern Baptists, Racism, Church terrorist attacks, Marriage equality, and recruiting tactics

Episode 017 Back to school (college chapel), YWAM, agnostics, "the lost," and why mission work can be harmfulThis week we went to a conservative evangelical Christian college for one of their chapel services.  We attend with our friend Payton who joins us on the podcast.  We talk about the atmosphere for faith at these institutions and Payton "comes out" as an agnostic.  We speak to why that doesn't mean Payton is "lost" and why Christians even use that term anymore. The speaker at this chapel was from a missions organization called Youth With A Mission, or YWAM.  We discuss YWAM, their high pressure sales tactics used to recruit, their creepy ways of doing training for the young people, as well as some of the good humanitarian work they do with evangelistic zeal.  We talk about the whole phenomenon of American "missions," it's colonial mindset, and what drives us to "missionize" other cultures.  We hash out why mission trips can be so harmful to the people that we really intended to help.

<h4>Episode 017 Back to school (college chapel), YWAM, agnostics, "the lost," and why mission work can be harmful</h4><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esqzLJ-OBOw/VNzujGuYgNI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ccT6FCxCLs4/s1600/ywam.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This week we went to a conservative evangelical Christian college for one of their chapel services.  We attend with our friend Payton who joins us on the podcast.  We talk about the atmosphere for faith at these institutions and Payton "comes out" as an agnostic.  We speak to why that doesn't mean Payton is "lost" and why Christians even use that term anymore. The speaker at this chapel was from a missions organization called Youth With A Mission, or YWAM.  We discuss YWAM, their high pressure sales tactics used to recruit, their creepy ways of doing training for the young people, as well as some of the good humanitarian work they do with evangelistic zeal.  We talk about the whole phenomenon of American "missions," it's colonial mindset, and what drives us to "missionize" other cultures.  We hash out why mission trips can be so harmful to the people that we really intended to help.

017 Back to school (college chapel), YWAM, agnostics, "the lost," and why mission work can be harmful

Episode 020 Jesus Movie Review: "What If..."This is the first (maybe only?) review of a Christian film...what we are calling "Jesus Movie Review."  We watched the film "What If..." starring all the same Christian movie characters you saw in every other "Faith and Family movie."  We discuss why we needed alcohol to watch this take-off on "It's a Wonderful Life" and we ask why Christian versions of movies and music, etc., are usually so crappy.  Joshua compares the Christian film industry to the porn industry...but only because it seems like there's always the same actors and pretty similar story lines, with the same outcome every time.  We talk about what it means to be transformed and why it doesn't always look like a dramatic shift of career or other external things.  And we take a look at what real transformation may look like.  And it's messy.  But not nearly as messy as the camera action in this film.  Just saying.For an OFFICIAL view of "What If..." you can check it out yourself on Netflix or other streaming/rental platforms.

Episode 020 Jesus Movie Review: "What If..." <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skhJwhIhJjQ/VPhfENmeZvI/AAAAAAAAAPY/g35xq5IDENU/s1600/whatif.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a>This is the first (maybe only?) review of a Christian film...what we are calling "Jesus Movie Review."  We watched the film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1468387/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"What If..."</a> starring all the same Christian movie characters you saw in every other "Faith and Family movie."  We discuss why we needed alcohol to watch this take-off on "It's a Wonderful Life" and we ask why Christian versions of movies and music, etc., are usually so crappy.  Joshua compares the Christian film industry to the porn industry...but only because it seems like there's always the same actors and pretty similar story lines, with the same outcome every time.  We talk about what it means to be transformed and why it doesn't always look like a dramatic shift of career or other external things.  And we take a look at what real transformation may look like.  And it's messy.  But not nearly as messy as the camera action in this film.  Just saying. For an OFFICIAL view of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1468387/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"What If..."</a> you can check it out yourself on Netflix or other streaming/rental platforms.

020 Jesus Movie Review: "What If..."

This week we stop to look back at one year of church hopping.  We gather round while Wendy delivers a scary children's sermon, just in time for Halloween, and then we get closer to the campfire to tell the real horror stories of church life  (in a fun way, of course) :1.  "The Day They Passed Me Over for Communion"2.  "The Day the KKK Came to Church"3.  "The Season of Silence"4.  "The Devil Wears a Stole"Wendy reads an open letter to the Church that she wrote almost exactly a year ago today.  The message is as poignant today as it was then.  And we celebrate together the day we said goodbye to church horror stories. We celebrate the death of the way we've always done church, so that we can welcome the life that is springing up beyond the walls of the autumn and winter of church.

This week we stop to look back at one year of church hopping.  We gather round while Wendy delivers a scary children's sermon, just in time for Halloween, and then we get closer to the campfire to tell the real horror stories of church life  (in a fun way, of course) : <blockquote>1.  "The Day They Passed Me Over for Communion" 2.  "The Day the KKK Came to Church" 3.  "The Season of Silence" 4.  "The Devil Wears a Stole"</blockquote>Wendy reads an open letter to the Church that she wrote almost exactly a year ago today.  The message is as poignant today as it was then.  And we celebrate together the day we said goodbye to church horror stories. We celebrate the death of the way we've always done church, so that we can welcome the life that is springing up beyond the walls of the autumn and winter of church.

042: Silence of the Lambs--scary church stories

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