Cocktail Theology

If 'antichrist' is an adjective describing anything that is antithetical to the way Jesus lived and what he taught, then why is the term being applied to Jesus-followers who are trying to do the work of Jesus (feeding the poor, working for justice, etc)? And: who is "the Antichrist" and why are influencers, pastors, tech billionaires, and politicians on the right talking about him so much these da...

If you've been a Christian any length of time, you're familiar with the idea that even though we are "in the world," we are not to be "of the world" (John 15:19, John 17:14-16, Romans 12:2). So what does that mean anyway? We are all obviously in the world, but how "in the world" can we be before we find ourselves being "of the world?" Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: Man O' War Theme song: "Mov...

Elane and Benton chat about the Bible—what it is, what it isn't, and how to start (or restart) reading it—all while enjoying a classic three-ingredient cocktail. Cocktail: Bijou Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton and Elane discuss the legacy of Dr. James Dobson, conservative Christian psychologist, radio personality, and political figure. Cocktail: Passionfruit Mock Mojito Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

So suppose you REALLY want a BMW. Is it wrong to pray for a BMW? How disappointed will you be if God gives you a '78 Maverick instead? Benton and Elane discuss manifesting, prosperity theology, and praying for cars while sipping a mocktail. Cocktail: Basil Peach Mocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online....

How do you know when it's time to leave your church? Elane and Benton chat about the reasons why someone might choose to leave their church home—and the reasons why they should stay. Cocktail: Murky Matcha Mint Mocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton attended his grandfather's funeral and two different approaches to how one gets to heaven—or ends up in hell—were presented. He and Elane discuss what it means to be "in" or "out," and the difference between being motivated by love instead of fear. Cocktail: Hibiscus Mint Mocktail Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen...

Elane and Benton discuss what it means to see someone—or oneself—as being selfish, and the distinctions between selfishness and self-awareness. Cocktail: My Tailor Is Rich Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

Benton likes to be thought of as a nice person. But is being nice important? He and Elane chat about niceness, manners, kindness, and the fruits of the Spirit while sipping a tasty sparkling cocktail. Cocktail: Americano Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.  

NEW EPISODE! In a world that is often upended because of our president's whims, it's important to have something bigger, more consistent and reliable, to hang onto. Benton and Elane chat about who or what that might be while enjoying a delicious new cocktail. Cocktail: Eventide Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music o...

A listener shared a viral video that captures a circle of charismatic Christians praying freely and fervently outside the White House. Elane and Benton discuss the many issues with this while sipping a Dubonnet cocktail.  Cocktail: The Dandy Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

In Acts 2, there is a description of how early Christians lived—eating together, praying together, supporting each other in all the ways. Elane poses the question: What would it look like to live that way today? Benton introduces a new original 3-ingredient cocktail. Cocktail: Tahitian Monk Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you list...

Most of us have felt like a victim at some point. When someone breaks into your home. When you're on the receiving end of a breakup you didn't see coming. When you get passed over for a promotion again. Feeling (or being) victimized and living as though you are a victim are not the same. Elane and Benton discuss the debilitating effects of victimhood. Cocktail: Corpse Reviver #2 Theme song: "Movin...

Benton and Elane recount the people and experiences in their lives that have helped guide and shape their faith. Cocktail: Poet's Dream Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What if the Holy Spirit showed up in Los Angeles today the way She did in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost? And how would we know if She did? Elane and Benton ponder these and other questions about the Holy Spirit and how She interacts with humanity and how we respond (or don't) when She does. Cocktail: Elixir Tropicale Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find B...

In celebration of the release of WHAT IS QUEER FOOD?, the new book written by our friend, multi-award-winning writer John Birdsall, this is a newly edited conversation between Elane and John that was recorded in 2023 at John's home in Tucson, Arizona. At the time, John was in the early stages of writing the book that would become WHAT IS QUEER FOOD? The book is John's deeply personal and well-rese...

The Roman Catholic Church (and the world) has a new pope. Many Protestant Christians don't see why the Pope is important, or even relevant, to the lives of non-Catholics. Elane and Benton chat about why all of us should be paying attention to what Pope Leo has to say. (For more, listen to our interview with Father James Martin--season 4, episode 10) Cocktail: The Chicago Cocktail Theme song: "Movi...

What if humanity is suffering from a lack of wonder? Our need for control and certainty has left us with a God who has been demystified, and a President who captures our attention. Elane and Benton discuss wonder and how its absence has impacted our experience of life, God, and practically everything else. 

Christians throughout the ages have claimed the Cross as their banner while they committed atrocities against those who opposed them--or who were simply in the way. In America today, that behavior is evident in the Christian nationalist movement, where men want Jesus to be depicted as assertive and powerful, not compassionate and humble. Elane and Benton chat about this while sipping Pink Ladies f...

In this last episode of the season, Elane and Benton share the Christmas songs they find most moving, most cringy, and most special. All while enjoying French 75's. Cocktail Theology will be back with new episodes in spring 2025! #progressivechristian #spirituality #queerchristian #cocktails #podcast   #lgbtq+ #postevangelical #christianlife #christmas #christmasmusic #christmassongs #holidaysongs...

NEW EPISODE! The holidays present challenges for most of us. Family tensions. Grief. Issues around eating, drinking, and gifts. Benton and Elane have a conversation about practical ways to anticipate stressers during the season. Cocktail: Winter In Norfolk County Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What makes something spiritual? Is it the intent or spirituality of its creator? Is it how the thing is received? And what does it mean for something to "spiritual" anyway? Benton and Elane ponder these questions and more while sipping espresso martinis. Cocktail: Espresso Martini Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to musi...

Elane and Benton have an in-depth conversation about what it means for Christians to be tolerant, accepting, or allies toward those who are different from us. Complete with Biblical examples. All while sipping a new cocktail. Cocktail: The Bitterbon Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton respond to a listener's question about the difference between mythology and theology. Cocktail: The Vancouver Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton and Elane have a lighthearted chat about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and what happens between—while enjoying an apple brandy cocktail. Cocktail: Without Borders Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.