Cocktail Theology

There are some significant differences between the teachings of Jesus and those of the Apostle Paul. Jesus spoke in parables, teaching individuals and small groups, and emphasizing relationship. Paul wrote plainly to churches made up of new Christians—a mix of Jews and non-Jews, many in hostile environments. Jesus' teachings still prove to be universal. Paul's are more contextual. Apples and orang...

In the third part of their series, "You Might Be An Evangelical If…," Benton and Elane talk about how important it is not to throw the baby out with the bathwater when reevaluating one's beliefs. This applies to post- and ex-evangelicals too. Cocktail: Little Italy Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton pose the question, "Are Catholics Christians?" Might sound like an absurd question, but it is one that persists in some protestant and evangelical circles. They try to clear up some common misunderstandings and share a bit from their own experiences while enjoying a cocktail. Cocktail: Vieux Carre Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's...

When was the last time you heard mental health addressed from the pulpit in your church? Most pastors don't encourage their followers to pay attention to their own mental health. Therapy and anti-depressants are discouraged too. The alternatives they offer? "Try harder, pray more, take your eyes off yourself, and (worst case), see a Christian counselor." Elane and Benton talk about the disconnect...

What are angels? What are demons? Are there harps, wings, pitchforks, and pointy tails involved? Do they intervene in human affairs or keep a safe distance? Elane and Benton explore ideas they have (and have heard) about these nonmaterial beings while sipping on Cuba Libres. Cocktail: Cuba Libre Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you...

Benton and Elane continue their conversation about evangelicalism by delving into how it became a political movement (which Benton calls "antichrist") instead of a spiritual—that is, of the Spirit—movement. There are Limoncello Collins cocktails (thankfully). Cocktail: Limoncello Collins Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen...

Elane and Benton have a conversation (over cocktails, of course) about voting—why it's so important and why, as progressive Christians, it couldn't be more important. Cocktail: Vesper Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton have the first of a few conversations about what makes an evangelical an evangelical. Here they chat about the basics—how and when evangelicalism started (spoiler: it's not as old as you think) and the foundational ideas on which an evangelical's theology is built…all while sipping negronis, of course. Cocktail: Negroni Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Bento...

Here in the age of social media influencers and reality tv, you can find lots of carefully curated stories. It's easy to paint a picture of yourself and your life that's the envy of anyone paying attention. But what would it mean for us to tell our stories—even the ones that make us squirm—for the purpose of helping someone else? Benton and Elane talk about the power of stories. Cocktail: Strawber...

Suppose that following Jesus isn't about proving yourself, or making sure that other people know that you're right with God, or winning the prize that gets you into heaven when you die. Suppose instead that following Jesus is simply accepting God's light within you and then living like you believe that, the way Jesus lived. No fear, no threat of hell, no feelings of inadequacy, no drive to impress...

The Old Testament, as we Christians refer to it, is more than just the Creation story, the Ten Commandments, and a bunch of prophets with funny names. Elane and Benton chat about why the Hebrew Scriptures give us valuable insight into who Jesus was. Cocktail: Bee's Knees Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs wherever you listen to music online.

The opposite of faith isn't doubt—it's certainty. Whenever anyone is sure they have the right answers, they'll be threatened by those who think maybe they don't. Doubt—sometimes simply questions—can tear at the fabric of some churches. Benton and Elane chat about it while sipping sidecars. Cocktail: Sidecar Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton's songs...

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.