Cocktail Theology

Christians are often portrayed as dumb as they hold onto ideas that are out of step with culture, science, and sometimes even common sense. But are Christians short on intellect or just change-averse? Elane and Benton chat over boulevardiers. Cocktail: Boulevardier Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

For decades, Richard Hays has been the leading New Testament scholar among conservatives. His case against LGBTQ+ people continues to justify queer exclusion in evangelical circles. But he has written a yet-to-be-released book with his son, Fuller Seminary professor Christopher Hays, that reverses his position, allowing for full affirmation of queer Christians in the church. Elane and Benton discu...

American Christians are deeply divided on what our response should be to the Israel-Hamas War. The religious and political right support Israel no matter what, but why? And what is the big deal about campus protests denouncing the violence against Palestinians? Elane and Benton get into the thick of it. Cocktail: Lemon Drop Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Fin...

Progressives of any kind are generally thought of as forward-thinking non-traditionalists who dare to question conventionality and work at cultivating and spreading new ideas. Some of that is true of some progressive Christians. But ancient ideas, Biblical context, history, and lived experience are all vital to a healithy, progressive Christian life. Elane and Benton discuss what makes a progressi...

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Jesus and Hercules? Well, we can think of a few. Elane and Benton close out Season 4 with a conversation about the Incarnation. Cocktail: Evan Williams (Extra Noggy) Eggnog Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What is moral authority and where does it come from? Do we as a society care about moral authority? And where should Christians look for moral authority (besides Jesus, of course)? Benton and Elane discuss while sipping a Prohibition Era cocktail, the Scofflaw. Cocktail: Scofflaw Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music...

Should Christians vote for Christians to represent them in government? If the answer is "yes," then the next question is "why?" Elane and Benton discuss, among other things, the qualities and qualifications that cause people of faith to vote for one person over another. Cocktail: Pressure Drop Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you l...

Power—and the desire each of us has for it—is the concern God confronted when They handed Moses the Ten Commandments. Bottom line: Power is at the root of sin. Elane and Benton have a (rather philosophical) conversation about the pitfalls of power. Cocktail: Stokes's Sidecar Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music onli...

God moves--and speaks--in mysterious ways. Benton and Elane chat about the ways they have (and haven't) heard God speak, and pose the question: "How do you know it's God?" Cocktail: The Ford Cocktail   Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton discuss the meaning and misunderstandings around the word 'godliness' as it appears in the Bible and in fundamentalist ideology—while drinking bourbon, as one does.   Cocktail: The Preakness Manhattan Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Who do you trust? What does "trust" even mean? Benton and Elane delve into trust while sipping a cilantro-laced cocktail. Cocktail: Cilantro Fields Forever Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton point out some of the really funny things in the Bible in response to a listener's question, while sipping another delicious fall cocktail.

What makes a day "holy?" Within our many faith traditions, we may mark some days as holy, but what about as a culture, a society? Elane and Benton chat about holidays and hoy days while sipping a festive fall cocktail. Cocktail: Calabaza Borracha (Drunk Pumpkin) Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Why are there so many denominations? If we all worship the same God, why can't we all do it together? Should we all be working together to find common ground, or is it okay that we have 10,000 different ways to do it? Elane and Benton start an exploration of denominations while sipping a fall cocktail. Cocktail: The Dusty Apple Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes....

Contentment, at least the kind the Apostle Paul wrote about, is more than just happiness. More than the absence of pain or disappointment. More than the glow of health, wealth, or success. Elane and Benton talk about what contentment is (and isn't), and how we get it (and keep it). Cocktail: The Perfect Rye Manhattan Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Bento...

We know what happens to our bodies when they die, but what about our souls? And what bearing—if any—does what we do with a body after its death have on its companion soul? Elane and Benton have a conversation about cremation while sipping cocktails.

Have we lost our moral compass—assuming we ever had one? Elane and Benton discuss where our morals come from as a society, what counts as "truth," and our one hope—hint: Jesus taught it—of ever living as a moral society. Cocktail: Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

NEW EPISODE! When we sing our worship songs, gather in worship services, enter into worship, what does all that mean to God? And what does that mean for us? Benton (a worship leader) and Elane (a preacher/teacher) discuss what worship is and why it's important. Cocktail: Elane's Tequila Sunrise Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you...

NEW EPISODE! Where do our ideas about faith come from? Is there such a thing as "biblical" faith? Is faith something you earn, keep, lose? (And what was George Michael singing about exactly?) Benton and Elane talk faith over drinks. 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.

If I tell you that I'm a Christian, what does that say to you? Does it make you want to ask questions? Run for the nearest exit? Punch me in the face? The term "Christian" is loaded, for sure. And many of us who seek God in the way of Jesus have concerns. Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: El Diablo Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs whereve...

If we each have a soul, where do souls come from and where do they go when our bodies die? Are souls bad by nature or created good? How does God feel about our souls? Benton and Elane talk about souls and depravity while sipping a great cocktail, as usual. Cocktail: I'll Have What She's Having Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you l...

Who is Satan and where did he come from? Are Satan worshippers the threat some Christians believe them to be? Benton and Elane have a chat about the Ringmaster of Hell. Cocktail: Satan's Whiskers Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton discuss what the term "pro-life" means these days—politically, philosophically, and spiritually. WARNING: Some of the content in this episode could be upsetting or triggering to some listeners. Discretion is advised. Cocktail: September In Maine Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

What do you do when Aunt Bea wants to talk about the QAnon theories she believes at Thanksgiving dinner…again?? How does a Jesus-follower respond to Christian nationalism? And is Christianity actually Christendom? Elane and Benton discuss. Cocktail: Name TBD Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Is smoking a sin? What about drinking or gambling? Just because an activity or behavior might be deemed unhealthy, is it also necessarily considered sinful? Benton and Elane discuss.   Cocktail: Black Currant Spritz   Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.