Gravity Commons Podcast

We talked with pastor Steve Watson about shedding forms of Christianity that have disappointed us and constructing and embracing a faith that makes us "larger, freer, and more loving," in the famous words of James Baldwin. His new book All Flesh Shalom dissects some of white Western Christianity’s most narrow and misguided readings of the life and teaching of Jesus, and in conversation wit...

We talked with Professor Victor Counted about how the attachment framework can help us explore how we develop and sustain psychological bonds with God, and how, when those bonds are eroded, it can lead to a crisis of faith. His book Bonded With God navigates questions of identity, meaning, and purpose, and the role of faith in offering support and guidance as we examine our connection with God. Vi...

We talked with Rob Dixon about his new book, Allies in Ministr y, which provides a practical, research-based pathway for men who desire to support women in ministry but may feel uncertain about how to act or worried about doing the wrong thing, because for women and men to thrive equally in ministry, the church needs male allies who are committed to supporting women in their callings. Rob Dixon (D...

We talked with professor and author James McGrath about how the process of deconstruction can be a starting point for something new, and lead to building a more expansive faith, which is what he addresses in his book Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith . You can connect with James on his blog: https://patheos.com/blogs/religionprof . Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a mess...

We talked with musician, composer, and liturgical theologian Richard Bruxvoort Colligan about the rich, complicated life reflected in the Psalms of the Hebrew Bible—150 stories from a people passionate and honest about the complexities of human experience, and how we can be transformed by reengaging with the Psalms on their own terms. Richard is the author of Dangerous Songs: The Psalms and a Glor...

We talked with pastor and author Tomy Cummins about what to do when someone you love admits that they're drowning in anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide. Most of us care deeply but feel unprepared, afraid of saying the wrong thing or making things worse. His new book Shepherds of The Mind: Caring Like Christ in an age of Silent Suffering equips ordinary people to respond with compassio...

What is “Ordinary Time” in the Christian calendar, and why is it called “ordinary” if it’s still spiritually significant? How can we practice rhythms of faith and stay spiritually grounded during the quieter seasons of life? Christy, Ben, and Matt discuss. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode...

What is Pentecost, and why is it such an important moment in Christianity? What was the significance of the disciples speaking in different languages in Acts 2? How do different Christian traditions and cultures celebrate Pentecost today? Ben, Christy, and Matt discuss these questions and more! Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and w...

What is the Ascension of Jesus, and how does the theology of the ascension matter? How did the Ascension change the disciples’ understanding of Jesus and their mission? Join Matt, Ben, and Christy to hear their answers to these questions and more. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode. Join the...

Ben and Christy welcome Matt back to the podcast after the sabbatical; Matt reflects on his time away. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question  about this or any other episode and we’ll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Community  to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting. Advertisin...

We’re continuing our mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley about his book,  What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message.  In this series, we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don’t realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don’t have immediate access to. Today’s topic: Jesus versus the Greek Gods. Dr. Paul Pen...

We’re continuing our mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley about his book,  What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message.  In this series, we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don’t realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don’t have immediate access to. Today’s topic: Jesus versus the Apocalyptics. Dr. Paul P...

We talked with BEMA Podcast host Marty Solomon about what it means to be human. Many of us have inherited a theology that says being human is our main problem, something for us to overcome, but what if being human is actually the point of the gospel? What if God is inviting us to see our humanity as, in fact, very good news? In  The Gospel of Being Human , Marty Solomon and Reed Dent invite you on...

We’re continuing our mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley about his book,  What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message.  In this series, we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don’t realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don’t have immediate access to. Today’s topic: Jesus versus the temple. Dr. Paul Penley...

Ben and Christy talk about St. Patrick's Day and how to celebrate it. Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question  about this or any other episode and we’ll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Community  to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircl...

This week on the podcast, we continue our mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley about his book,  What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message.  In this series, we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don’t realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don’t have immediate access to. Today’s topic: Jesus versus the rev...

We’re continuing our mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley about his book,  What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message.  In this series, we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don’t realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don’t have immediate access to. Today’s topic: Jesus versus the separatists. Dr. Paul Pe...

We’re continuing our mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley about his book,  What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message , where we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don’t realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don’t have immediate access to. Today’s topic: Jesus versus the wealthy. Dr. Paul Penley is a New...

Ben and Christy talk about Lent: what Lent is, what fasting is for, and how to create more space for Grace to meet us. SHOW NOTES: The article Ben referenced about Lent and fasting: gravitycommons.com/how-to-fast-for-lent/ Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode. Join the Gravity Community to int...

Timothy McCain is back on the podcast to talk about his new book  Jesus Can't Fix Racism ,  where he argues that racism has survived in the Church not because Christians failed to pray, but because they refuse to change. Timothy McCain is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in leading and developing initiatives across various sectors. He is the founder and...

We're starting a new mini-series with Dr. Paul Penley (yes, Christy's husband!) about his book, What Jesus Meant: How Ancient Conversations Redefine Jesus’ Message . In this episode, we talk about how we often misunderstand what Jesus meant because we don't realize that he was participating in and responding to ancient conversations we don't have immediate access to. Today's to...

We talked with philosophy professor Michael W. Austin about how Christian nationalism is contrary to Christian virtues AND American values, and offers us a better form of civic engagement. In his book  American Christian Nationalism: Neither American Nor Christian , Michael accessibly explains the meaning and history behind nationalism and systematically shows how the ideology contradicts American...

We talked with pastor and author David Swanson about the work he and his church have done in Chicago to respond to the presence of ICE in their neighborhoods: bearing witness to violence and terror, calling for repentance, and seeking to nonviolently resist physical attacks on Christians and clergy, the lawlessness of federal agents, MAGA's politics of death, and the overt racism of our presid...

We talked with Dr. Yolanda Pierce about what we do with our wounds - our own, others', and a nation's? In her book  The Wounds Are the Witness ,  Pierce weaves together her own memories, vignettes from Black life, and scenes from scripture, especially the passion of Christ to create an indelible meditation on Black faith, suffering, hope, and the healing possibilities of justice. Yolanda P...

Christy and Ben talk about all things Epiphany: how it fits in the liturgical calendar, what it means, and a few ways you can celebrate: chalking your door, making a king cake, and turning your Christmas tree into a cross. Show notes & links: Door chalking liturgy King Cake recipe Photo of Christmas tree cross Connect with Gravity Commons: Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any...