Beyond The Pale

Award winning author Paul Ellis talks to Steve & Tammy about his new book A.D. 70. Unlike the anxiety produced by many books on prophecy and the fear of being "left behind", AD 70 offers a hopeful and "good news" alternative to the "last days." Drawing on an in-depth study of the scripture alongside forgotten lessons from history Paul reinterprets the dark tales of vengeance and judgement through...

Paul Ellis has impacted and inspired tens of thousands across the world with the message of God's unconditional love for them through his award winning books as well as his Escape to Reality blog. On today's episode Paul shares with Steve & Tammy the journey he has walked and the insights into God and Life he has learned along the way. Get ready to go Beyond the Pale with Paul Ellis! Show Notes: 4...

Tre Cates shares how he initially became involved with, and then went on to be the Chief Operations officer for, the Savory Institute; a group that is literally saving the planet! Tre then explains how the holistic management and regenerative practices he has seen implemented through the Savory Institute has helped him understand how those same practices could be applied in business and work envir...

Steve sits down with Tre Cates to talk about the journey he has been on for the last twenty years. Tre has gone from being church planter to a successful entrepreneur of a tech company, and ultimately to becoming Chief Operating officer for the Savory Institute, which, if you are NOT one of the over 4 million people who have watched Allan Savory's 2013 TED Talk, the Savory Institute is an organisa...

Steve & Tammy continue their talk with Brian Zahnd as they unpack his new book "Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God." Brian shares with us pilgrims why Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was NOT a payment to God and how thinking it is has been skewing Christians view of the Father for years. From there we move to chatting about hell and while Jesus did speak a fair bit about hell, Brian suggests what...

Brian Zahnd returns to Beyond the Pale to discuss his new book "Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God". As one of the leading voices in the church today Brian takes aim at Christian's endorsement of fear, violence, and nationalism reminding us that our God looks like Jesus and ONLY Jesus. Get ready to go Beyond the Pale with Brian Zahnd. Show Index 2:06 (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss the effect "fea...

We continue our discussion with Rebekah Pine and hear more of her journey as a young Christian living in Egypt and Jordan. Now a wife and mother of three young children Rebekah goes on to explain how her work in the Middle-East isn't over as she returns to Jordan to work with refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. Show Index: 1:57 (Intro) Steve & Tammy discuss "The Shack" 13:19 Rebekah shares what...

Rebekah Pine shares her journey of being a student of Middle East studies living in Egypt and Jordan and how years later, now a wife and mother of three children, feels a draw by God to return to Jordan to help alleviate the suffering of refugees fleeing from the Syrian civil war. Along the way Rebekah shares how her own faith was enriched and deepened as she navigated a Muslim world. Show Notes:...

Part two of our talk with journalist and science writer Nury Vittachi continues to explore the tension between faith and science. Along the way Nury shares about the power of forgiveness as well as some of the positive attributes faith in general, and Christianity specifically, bring to the world around us.  Show Notes: 1:33 (Intro) Steve and Tammy discuss cynicism towards Christianity and their o...

Journalist, author, and science writer Nury Vittachi joins Steve & Tammy to discuss the faith / science divide and shares with them how he navigates between those two worlds. Along the way Nury shares some childhood memories with famed author Arthur C. Clarke, whether the universe is indeed "conscience", and explains how the building blocks for reality is made up of ideas. Join us as we travel Bey...

This week we continue our talk with long time youth pastor Rich Kifer. Rich shares some of the wisdom he has learned, sometimes the hard way, as his spiritual journey has taken a number of twists and turns through the years. Along the way we discuss some of the litmus tests Christians tend to judge orthodox purity, the state of Christian and faith based movies, as well as advice Rich has for young...

Long time youth pastor Rich Kifer has seen a lot of changes in Christianity during his years of ministry.  In today's episode Rich shares with Steve his journey which has caused him to reevaluate some aspects of his belief that has ultimately led to a better life and a better faith  Journey with us Beyond the Pale with Rich Kifer Show Index 1:45- Steve & Tammy discuss Robe Bell's new book "What is...

Sceptic David Young, who has been a friend to this podcast and frequent guest, tragically passed away this past April after a months long battle with ALS.  Steve had the opportunity for a final conversation with David at his home, sitting on his balcony, covering a range of topics including politics, movies, living life with a terminal illness, and why he refuses to give potential employers his CV...

For many Americans, nationalism and patriotism are as much a part of their Christianity as any teaching of Christ.  But does God see America as "exceptional" in the same way Americans do?  Which flag do we really fly higher?  When does our allegiance to earthly countries put us at odds with God's Country.  Former pastor Giles Parker explores these questions with Steve & Tammy on this weeks episode...

Giles Parker returns to the show to help us wrestle with the tension of reconciling belief with experiences.  What happens when they don't line up?  Have we replaced critical thinking with learning to handle and dismiss the ideas we don't want to entertain?  Join us with Giles as we head out Beyond the Pale.

In Part 2 of our discussion with C. Allen Ries, Allen discusses the idea of Biblical inerrancy and how Christians may be better equipped viewing the Bible through a more progressive lens.  Along the way Allen shares how he has replaced "knowing" with "seeking" and how we would all be better off learning to view others through the eyes of God Show Index 9:45- Examining Biblical inerrancy 20:46- All...

C. Allen Ries is a Christian music minister who shares his story coming to terms with a sexual orientation at odds with the faith he grew up with.  Allen's initial struggles as well as the peace he ultimately finds is sure to be an inspiration for you on your journey.  Along the way Allen also shares how as a "white guy" he found himself working primarily in African - American churches. Show Index...

Filmmaker Mitch Birks & resident Beyond the Pale "Geek Corespondent" Martin Daniel join Steve to discuss and review the new film Wonder Woman.   Along the way they detour into the recent X-Men movie Logan  before they explore the themes of God, religion, ice cream, and existential crisis found in  Wonder Woman.  

Part 2 of our conversation with Cornel and Rensia Marais.  Hear them share what it is like to test their belief system and question the very premises they had arranged their lives around. Show Index 12:35- Experiencing rejection when you question 20:51- Taking a "break" from God 29:25- A faith healer questions faith healing 43:36- Renisa shares her journey into doubt and discovery

Former "grace preacher" Cornel Marais along with his wife Rensia share with Steve & Tammy their journey into Christian ministry...and back out again.  With both honesty and humour Cornel & Rensia share their ups and downs as they attempt to figure out God, church, and life... Show Index 9:40- Church 3 times a week??? 14:06- Faith Healing Days 26:34- In the Grace Camp 31:04- "Entering the Rabbit Ho...

A second live update from Spain as Steve & Tammy journey on the 500 mile pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago!

Steve & Tammy give a short update of their month long pilgrimage across Spain on the Camino de Santiago.  Included is their exhausting first day as well as catching up with some Camino friends from Ireland that leads to an outdoor Irish sing-a-long.

Steve continues his interview with Ojo Taylor from the punk band  Undercover .  Along the way they explore more of Ojo's experiences coming out of the Christian faith while navigating the legacy of having been a voice and catalyst for people's faith within Christianity. Show Notes 17:05- Fans discover Ojo has left the faith 22:20- Applying reason and logic to life 32:46- Is everyone who loves born...

Ojo Taylor, bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist for the renown Christian punk band "Undercover" shares with Steve the journey he has travelled from being a voice within Christianity to the chance encounter that forced him to question, and ultimately abandon, his faith.  Along the way Steve suggests he has, perhaps, become more "Christ-like" in the process. Show Index: 10:15- A Catholic Childhood 18...

Steve & Tammy celebrate Beyond the Pale's first year exploring life and faith through the lens of pilgrimage.  Along the way the look at the highlights of 2016 as well as what 2017 has in store.  The episode is a reminder that Beyond the Pale is a resource for those who see faith as a journey and a reminder that you are not alone.