Cocktail Theology

Benton and Elane discuss an ongoing cultural and spiritual shift: moving away from the idea that we are all inherently broken and in need of constant healing. Tracing the concept of brokenness back to original sin, they discuss how we can shift our focus from victimhood toward actionable spiritual practices and trade the endless search for healing for the proactive pursuit of wholeness and living...

Elane and Benton sip on a summer-ready Pineapple Daiquiri while tackling a difficult question: what does it mean to be patriotic in an era of rising Christian nationalism? They explore how the core tenets of Christianity—loving God and loving your neighbor—must challenge the exclusionary views of modern nationalism, and why choosing the way of Jesus means fighting for the dignity of everyone. Cock...

Benton and Elane tackle a difficult biblical dilemma: what does it really mean to be "wise as serpents" and "gentle as doves" in the modern world? Sparked by the frustrations of California's primary elections and the everyday ethics of corporate boycotts, they explore how people of faith can balance strategic thinking with vulnerable integrity. Cocktail: Eeyore's Requiem Theme song: "Moving On (Fe...

Elane and Benton sip on a comforting, bourbon-based nightcap called "The Welcome and Good Night" as they explore the true meaning of hospitality. Sparked by Pride Month and the actual biblical reasons behind the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah, they discuss how true hospitality is about much more than fancy food or having a perfect home—it is the spiritual discipline of making people feel safe enough t...

Benton and Elane pick up where they left off in the last episode as Elane introduces a mystical perspective on how we connect to God, the universe, and each other, which sparks an intense and honest debate. They tackle the complex difference between simply trying to be a "good person" and acting as a spiritual "thin place" that requires a 100% connection to the divine. Ultimately, they challenge t...

Benton and Elane dive into a provocative discussion about the ultimate endgame of religious faith. They explore whether the primary goal of religion is to avoid eternal punishment and appease a capricious God, or if it is simply a framework for becoming a decent human being. From the eternal prosperity gospel of seeking heaven to the relief of suffering found in Buddhist ideals, they analyze the d...

Benton and Elane sip on a surprising Guava Daiquiri while considering what we mean when we use the phrase "acts of God". Tornadoes and typhoons? Desert blooms and natural beauty? Or something else? God's actions often look much different than we expect....so how do we know when God's at work in the world....? Cocktail: Guava Daiquiri Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton S...

Benton and Elane explore the difference between hair-trigger outrage and well-ordered anger. They unpack the harmful religious conditioning that taught many to suppress their anger and offer practical advice on how to combat political exhaustion by channeling frustration into a single, constructive cause to effect real change. All while sipping a mezcal-based cocktail. Cocktail: La Ultima Palabra...

As a society, it seems we are constantly on the verge of outrage. Benton and Elane talk about how a loss of everyday civility and humor keeps us all on guard instead of being open to proactively stepping into conversations. They offer some practical advice on how to lower the temperature and see the humanity in everyone while sipping an imperfect cocktail. Cocktail: Smoked Cherry Margarita Theme s...

NEW EPISODE! Benton and Elane have a conversation sparked by Benton's brand-new song, "Take the Throne," which leads them to unpack traditional Christian imagery about kingship, power, and the maturity it takes to surrender control. It's a thoughtful discussion on the ongoing process of deconstruction, the dangers of making yourself the final arbiter of your own kingdom, and learning how to hold o...

NEW EPISODE! Elane and Benton respond to a listener's letter expressing her trouble with worshipping God. She poses the question, "Does God need our constant fawning?" Which leads to the question, "Is God a narcissist?" A lively conversation about what worship is (and isn't), what makes someone a narcissist, and why lime and artichoke work so well together in a cocktail.   Cocktail: The Lime & The...

NEW EPISODE! Benton and Elane open Season 7 with a conversation about Jesus' Resurrection. Why didn't everyone recognize Jesus after he left the tomb? How could he walk through walls? How important is the Resurrection to what happened on the Cross? All these questions and more, plus a tasty rum cocktail. Cocktail: The Lazarus Soul Note: When they recorded this episode, Benton and Elane thought thi...

Elane and Benton reflect on what Christmas means to them this year while enjoying a classic holiday cocktail. Cocktail: Tom & Jerry Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

What is purpose, where does it come from, and why is it so important? Has it already been chosen for us? Are our life stories already written down in God's Big Book Of Everything? Elane and Benton ponder purpose, callings, and the will of God while sipping a new cocktail. Cocktail: The Inglenook Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you...

There's only one reality, but each of us experiences it differently. That can be a useful—even a beautiful—thing. But it can also be a barrier to consensus, even conversation.   And can wreak havoc around holiday tables. Benton and Elane chat about the reality of…reality. Cocktail: Thanksgiving Cocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wher...

Elane and Benton share what Thanksgiving (the day and the practice) mean to them, as well as some things they're thankful for. They also discuss the importance of not just being grateful for things, but also thanking people (and God) for those things.  Cocktail: Maple Rye Old Fashioned Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to...

NEW EPISODE! Most Americans, when asked about their faith, say they are religiously unaffiliated. Elane and Benton chat about "the Nones," finding and nurturing awe, and how spirituality is a part of all us. Cocktail: Glass & Bottle Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

What do you mean when you call yourself a Christian? Benton and Elane answer that question for themselves while sipping an interesting gin cocktail. Cocktail: Three Of A Kind Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Elane and Benton welcome their good friend, Father Ricardo Avila—a gay, Latino, Episcopalian priest—to an honest conversation about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and work in ministry. They also enjoy a flight of six different rums! Cocktail: Rum Flight Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Every November, Dia de los Muertos honors loved ones who have passed with both revelry and reverence. African-Americans talk of turning to their ancestors for wisdom and guidance. Yet death remains a difficult thing for most of us to talk about. Elane and Benton chat about death while enjoying a prickly cocktail. Cocktail: Prickly Pear Margarita Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded...

Benton and Elane chat about what makes someone a martyr, what doesn't, and why our culture is hung up on martyrdom. Cocktail: Enrico Palazzo Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

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

Does someone's weight have anything to do with their spirituality? Well…it depends. Benton and Elane talk about body image and how the way we see ourselves—and what we do to sustain or change that—can be a reflection of what's going on in our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. Cocktail: Midnight Fizz Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's so...

Benton and Elane chat about what books they've ben reading, what shows they've been streaming, and what music has been bringing them life lately. Cocktail: Rum Swizzle Correction: The book Elane mentions should be "Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler. Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton talk about the complicated concept of forgiveness—what it is, when to do it, and when not to. Cocktail: Closing Argument Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.