Shows
Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogSaving Faith FinaleSaving Faith thanks all the listeners and guests since it launched (under the name Metamorphosis) in March 2020. While future episodes are unlikely, existing episodes will continue to be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.
Thank you, and God bless.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jes...2024-06-1905 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogSaving Faith FinaleSaving Faith thanks all the listeners and guests since it launched (under the name Metamorphosis) in March 2020. While future episodes are unlikely, existing episodes will continue to be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.
Thank you, and God bless.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jes...2024-06-1905 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogA Gay Methodist Pastor Tells His Story - An Interview with Rev. Keith TurnerWhat's it like to fear losing your job -- nay, your calling -- because of your sexual orientation? Reverend Keith Turner answers that question, and more, in this episode.
Read Keith's powerful essay, "My Church Finally Caught Up to Me: A Gay United Methodist Pastor Tells (Most of) His Story."
Then read Keith's insightful response to "sincerely-helf beliefs," "Critique of Sincere Belief."
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow...2024-06-051h 24Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogA Gay Methodist Pastor Tells His Story - An Interview with Rev. Keith TurnerWhat's it like to fear losing your job -- nay, your calling -- because of your sexual orientation? Reverend Keith Turner answers that question, and more, in this episode.
Read Keith's powerful essay, "My Church Finally Caught Up to Me: A Gay United Methodist Pastor Tells (Most of) His Story."
Then read Keith's insightful response to "sincerely-helf beliefs," "Critique of Sincere Belief."
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow...2024-06-051h 24Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogTom Oord for Real! - An Interview with Dr. Thomas Jay OordLast episode, Eric tried to recreate Tom Oord's answers. This episode, listeners get the real deal! Tom graciously agreed to come back for another conversation. We talk about "God After Deconstruction," "Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming," and Tom's other faith-transforming, life-changing ideas.
Check out ThomasJayOord.com.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, off...2024-05-291h 02Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogTom Oord for Real! - An Interview with Dr. Thomas Jay OordLast episode, Eric tried to recreate Tom Oord's answers. This episode, listeners get the real deal! Tom graciously agreed to come back for another conversation. We talk about "God After Deconstruction," "Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming," and Tom's other faith-transforming, life-changing ideas.
Check out ThomasJayOord.com.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, off...2024-05-291h 02Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church Blog"God Can't" and other life-changing ideas with Dr. Thomas Jay OordDr. Thomas Jay Oord's latest book, "God After Deconstruction," helps religious "nones" reconnect with God.
Learn more about Dr. Oord's work at ThomasJayOord.com.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderat...2024-05-2256 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church Blog"God Can't" and other life-changing ideas with Dr. Thomas Jay OordDr. Thomas Jay Oord's latest book, "God After Deconstruction," helps religious "nones" reconnect with God.
Learn more about Dr. Oord's work at ThomasJayOord.com.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderat...2024-05-2256 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogA Gay Ex-Pastor Asked People Why They Left Christianity - Here's What They SaidWhy are people leaving Christianity? Why not ask some of those people. Brandon Flanery, author of the spiritual memoir "Stumbling," surveyed his social media following and analyzed the responses to find out why people are leaving Christianity. The results are both unsurprising and surprising.
Learn more about Brandon and his writing at BrandonFlanery.com.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell int...2024-05-1553 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogA Gay Ex-Pastor Asked People Why They Left Christianity - Here's What They SaidWhy are people leaving Christianity? Why not ask some of those people. Brandon Flanery, author of the spiritual memoir "Stumbling," surveyed his social media following and analyzed the responses to find out why people are leaving Christianity. The results are both unsurprising and surprising.
Learn more about Brandon and his writing at BrandonFlanery.com.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell int...2024-05-1553 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIsrael, David French, and Campus ProtestsIs David French right that colleges tolerate protests from "preferred groups" but not other groups? No. No, he's not.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community.
Contact E...2024-05-0120 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIsrael, David French, and Campus ProtestsIs David French right that colleges tolerate protests from "preferred groups" but not other groups? No. No, he's not.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community.
Contact E...2024-05-0120 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogGenerative AI and the Future of Work and FaithHave you heard of ChatGPT, or have you been living under a rock? In this episode, Eric reflects on the analysis of Daniel Susskind, author of "A World without Work," and how AI might change the way we work both outside and inside the church.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on...2024-04-1729 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogGenerative AI and the Future of Work and FaithHave you heard of ChatGPT, or have you been living under a rock? In this episode, Eric reflects on the analysis of Daniel Susskind, author of "A World without Work," and how AI might change the way we work both outside and inside the church.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on...2024-04-1729 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogLate Have I Loved You - An Interview with CCM Legend John Michael TalbotJohn Michael Talbot is a multi-platinum selling, Grammy / Dove award winning Contemporary Catholic Christian Music pioneer. He joins Eric to talk about his 59th album and 38th book, both titled "Late Have I Loved You." John shares some of his remarkable spiritual journey, including multiple mystical experiences.
Learn more about John Michael Talbot's books, albums, and ministries at:
https://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/
https://littleportionbakery.org/
https://www.inner-room-school.org/
https://troubadourforthelord.net/store/ols/categories/books
https://www.amazon.com/Late-Have-I-Loved-You/dp/B0CQPP1SSP
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/late-have-i-loved-you-john-michael-talbot/1144660193
Saving Faith creates space fo...2024-04-0341 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogLate Have I Loved You - An Interview with CCM Legend John Michael TalbotJohn Michael Talbot is a multi-platinum selling, Grammy / Dove award winning Contemporary Catholic Christian Music pioneer. He joins Eric to talk about his 59th album and 38th book, both titled "Late Have I Loved You." John shares some of his remarkable spiritual journey, including multiple mystical experiences.
Learn more about John Michael Talbot's books, albums, and ministries at:
https://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/
https://littleportionbakery.org/
https://www.inner-room-school.org/
https://troubadourforthelord.net/store/ols/categories/books
https://www.amazon.com/Late-Have-I-Loved-You/dp/B0CQPP1SSP
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/late-have-i-loved-you-john-michael-talbot/1144660193
Saving Faith creates space fo...2024-04-0341 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogBut God Can - An Interview with Becky Kiser"But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly" will help you get unstuck and pursue the spiritual purpose and abundance that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. Eric chats with its author, Becky Kiser, an author, podcaster, and ministry leader who is passionate about inspiring women in their faith and daily lives. You don't have to be enough, Becky says, because God is already more than enough.
Find the book and Becky's other work at:
https://www.beckykiser.com/
Follow Beck on Instagram @beckykiser
(https://www.instagram.com/beckykiser/)
2024-03-2756 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogBut God Can - An Interview with Becky Kiser"But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly" will help you get unstuck and pursue the spiritual purpose and abundance that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. Eric chats with its author, Becky Kiser, an author, podcaster, and ministry leader who is passionate about inspiring women in their faith and daily lives. You don't have to be enough, Becky says, because God is already more than enough.
Find the book and Becky's other work at:
https://www.beckykiser.com/
Follow Beck on Instagram @beckykiser
(https://www.instagram.com/beckykiser/)
2024-03-2756 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith: A Better Relationship to the BibleMany people have a difficult relationship to the Bible. This episode offers some practical advice for rebuilding that relationship.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community.
Contact E...2024-03-2017 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith: A Better Relationship to the BibleMany people have a difficult relationship to the Bible. This episode offers some practical advice for rebuilding that relationship.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community.
Contact E...2024-03-2017 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith: Listening to ExperienceWhat has experience taught you about God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit?
Experience is an important part of both deconstructing and reconstructing faith. Experience causes the former, but it can also help with the latter. In this episode, Eric explores how experience can help rebuild a stronger faith and reflects on the Apostles following their experience instead of their scriptures and traditions.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s...2024-03-0617 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith: Listening to ExperienceWhat has experience taught you about God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit?
Experience is an important part of both deconstructing and reconstructing faith. Experience causes the former, but it can also help with the latter. In this episode, Eric explores how experience can help rebuild a stronger faith and reflects on the Apostles following their experience instead of their scriptures and traditions.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s...2024-03-0617 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith: The People Who Inspire YouIn this episode, Eric talks about the Christians who inspire other people to become, or remain, followers of Jesus. Leave a review and share who inspires your faith, or post a link to this episode to social media and share your faith inspiration.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jes...2024-02-1412 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith: The People Who Inspire YouIn this episode, Eric talks about the Christians who inspire other people to become, or remain, followers of Jesus. Leave a review and share who inspires your faith, or post a link to this episode to social media and share your faith inspiration.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jes...2024-02-1412 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogHave You Experienced the Supernatural?When reconstructing faith, experience of the supernatural - the part of reality beyond our senses and measurements - can open us up to the limits of human perception and knowledge and, thus, open us up to God.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular con...2024-01-3119 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogHave You Experienced the Supernatural?When reconstructing faith, experience of the supernatural - the part of reality beyond our senses and measurements - can open us up to the limits of human perception and knowledge and, thus, open us up to God.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular con...2024-01-3119 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith in 2024: What's Your Core Belief?Faith deconstruction is a necessary part of maturing one's faith. But how do you reconstruct faith? Based on personal experience and conversations with other Christians, Eric suggests beginning the journey by focusing on your "core belief" that helps you firmly believe in God no matter what.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and rif...2024-01-1010 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReconstructing Faith in 2024: What's Your Core Belief?Faith deconstruction is a necessary part of maturing one's faith. But how do you reconstruct faith? Based on personal experience and conversations with other Christians, Eric suggests beginning the journey by focusing on your "core belief" that helps you firmly believe in God no matter what.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and rif...2024-01-1010 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogKeeping Our Promises - A Conversation with Kim Jenne about LGBTQ InclusionKim Jenne returns! She gives us an insider's perspective on the United Methodist Church's ongoing debate about LGBTQ inclusion and shares some of her personal theology on the topic.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Churc...2023-12-061h 16Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogKeeping Our Promises - A Conversation with Kim Jenne about LGBTQ InclusionKim Jenne returns! She gives us an insider's perspective on the United Methodist Church's ongoing debate about LGBTQ inclusion and shares some of her personal theology on the topic.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Churc...2023-12-061h 16Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogHow Missouri Methodists Are Addressing Race - An Interview with Kim JenneThe Race and Culture project of Missouri's United Methodist conference is working toward racial reconciliation and inclusion. Kim Jenne shares some of that project's work and resources in this conversation on Saving Faith.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Med...2023-11-291h 03Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogHow Missouri Methodists Are Addressing Race - An Interview with Kim JenneThe Race and Culture project of Missouri's United Methodist conference is working toward racial reconciliation and inclusion. Kim Jenne shares some of that project's work and resources in this conversation on Saving Faith.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Med...2023-11-291h 03Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogChoosing Gratitude this ThanksgivingGratitude is a choice. Eric shares his struggles witih choosing gratitude and offers a prayer for Diana Butler Bass to help us choose to give thanks this Thanksgiving.
Grateful by Diana Butler Bass
The Cottage newsletter by Diana Butler Bass
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on fol...2023-11-2208 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogChoosing Gratitude this ThanksgivingGratitude is a choice. Eric shares his struggles witih choosing gratitude and offers a prayer for Diana Butler Bass to help us choose to give thanks this Thanksgiving.
Grateful by Diana Butler Bass
The Cottage newsletter by Diana Butler Bass
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on fol...2023-11-2208 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogGrief, Mourning, and Emotional Resurrection - An Interview with Ron Greer, Author of The Quiet House"Suppression leads to depression. Expression leads to emotional resurrection."
Ron Greer helps us mourn devastating loss in his book, "The Quiet House," and in this interview on Saving Faith. Greer speaks from 40 years of experience in pastoral counseling, as a father who lost a young son, and as a husband who recently lost his wife.
Get "The Quiet House" at his church's bookshop, at his website, on Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
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Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a...2023-11-151h 10Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogGrief, Mourning, and Emotional Resurrection - An Interview with Ron Greer, Author of The Quiet House"Suppression leads to depression. Expression leads to emotional resurrection."
Ron Greer helps us mourn devastating loss in his book, "The Quiet House," and in this interview on Saving Faith. Greer speaks from 40 years of experience in pastoral counseling, as a father who lost a young son, and as a husband who recently lost his wife.
Get "The Quiet House" at his church's bookshop, at his website, on Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
*************
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a...2023-11-151h 10Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogNice Churchy Patriarchy - An Interview with Liz Jenkins"Nice Churchy Patriarchy" is still patriarchy, is still harmful to women and men, and is the title of Liz Jenkins' book. In this interview, Jenkins shares some of her experiences of church patriarchcy and discusses why and how Christians should change patriarchial structures.
PRE-ORDER "Nice Churchy Patriarchy" at Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble
Connect with Liz Jenkins at her website or on Instagram
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Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore...2023-11-0840 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogNice Churchy Patriarchy - An Interview with Liz Jenkins"Nice Churchy Patriarchy" is still patriarchy, is still harmful to women and men, and is the title of Liz Jenkins' book. In this interview, Jenkins shares some of her experiences of church patriarchcy and discusses why and how Christians should change patriarchial structures.
PRE-ORDER "Nice Churchy Patriarchy" at Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble
Connect with Liz Jenkins at her website or on Instagram
************
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore...2023-11-0840 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIsrael-Hamas, Christianity, and Just War TheoryWhen is war moral or immoral? Christianity's "Just War" tradition offers insights into that difficult question.
Eric references the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Just War Theory throughout this episode.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The B...2023-11-0128 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIsrael-Hamas, Christianity, and Just War TheoryWhen is war moral or immoral? Christianity's "Just War" tradition offers insights into that difficult question.
Eric references the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Just War Theory throughout this episode.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The B...2023-11-0128 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIsrael, Hamas, Violence, and the Problem of EvilHow can Christians, who follow a preacher of non-violence, respond to the self-defensive war of Israel against Hamas? How can they make sense of the Israel-Hamas War and the problem of evil? Eric Sentell tries his best.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular con...2023-10-2531 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIsrael, Hamas, Violence, and the Problem of EvilHow can Christians, who follow a preacher of non-violence, respond to the self-defensive war of Israel against Hamas? How can they make sense of the Israel-Hamas War and the problem of evil? Eric Sentell tries his best.
Saving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular con...2023-10-2531 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIntroducing Saving FaithSaving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community.
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
Podcast Author: Eric Sente...2023-10-1809 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIntroducing Saving FaithSaving Faith creates space for Christians:
to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes;
to reconstruct a faith that works; and
to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world.
Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community.
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com. Learn more about Eric’s church, Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
Podcast Author: Eric Sente...2023-10-1809 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEric Ruins the Sermon on the Mount
Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" is arguably his most famous speech. It's super-familiar to Christians. But has it become so familiar that we overlook what Jesus was really getting at?
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2023-06-0559 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEric Ruins the Sermon on the Mount
Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" is arguably his most famous speech. It's super-familiar to Christians. But has it become so familiar that we overlook what Jesus was really getting at?
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2023-06-0559 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEric Ruins Genesis 1-3Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric ruins Genesis 1-3 by describing how he interprets it symbolically, not literally. He describes the history of the literal interpretation of the Bible and explains the strong reasons for a non-literal interpretation. In the second half of the episode, Eric breaks down Genesis 1-3 verse by verse and suggests different interpretations than you may have heard before.
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org...2023-05-081h 16Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEric Ruins Genesis 1-3Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric ruins Genesis 1-3 by describing how he interprets it symbolically, not literally. He describes the history of the literal interpretation of the Bible and explains the strong reasons for a non-literal interpretation. In the second half of the episode, Eric breaks down Genesis 1-3 verse by verse and suggests different interpretations than you may have heard before.
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org...2023-05-081h 16Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEric Ruins the BibleMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric "ruins" the Bible in this episode. He uses examples from the Bible itself to show that the Biblical authors were inspired, but their writing is not inerrant, infallible, a rule book, or life's instruction manual. Rather, the Bible, in Eric's view, is a source of wisdom and an invitation to conversation with God and fellow believers.
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
...2023-05-0150 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEric Ruins the BibleMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric "ruins" the Bible in this episode. He uses examples from the Bible itself to show that the Biblical authors were inspired, but their writing is not inerrant, infallible, a rule book, or life's instruction manual. Rather, the Bible, in Eric's view, is a source of wisdom and an invitation to conversation with God and fellow believers.
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
...2023-05-0150 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogTrans Issues and Christianity - An Interview with Austen Hartke
Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Many people have very strong feelings right now about trans people. But how many trans people do we know? How many trans people have we listened to, read, or learned from? In this episode, Eric interviews Austen Hartke, author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians. Austen is also the founder and executive director of Transmission Ministry Collective, a resource for trans and gender-expansive Christians.
Au...2023-04-171h 08Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogTrans Issues and Christianity - An Interview with Austen Hartke
Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Many people have very strong feelings right now about trans people. But how many trans people do we know? How many trans people have we listened to, read, or learned from? In this episode, Eric interviews Austen Hartke, author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians. Austen is also the founder and executive director of Transmission Ministry Collective, a resource for trans and gender-expansive Christians.
Au...2023-04-171h 08Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogResurrection, Bodies, and Quantum ... Entanglement?Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Happy Day After Easter! Last episode, Eric talked about how Christians tend to focus so much on the Crucifixion but not enough on the Resurrection. In this episode, he reflects on how Jesus' bodily resurrection shows that God cares about our bodies as well as our spirits.
Jesus' ministry shows that God cares about our physical, social, emotional, and pyschological needs as much as God cares about our spirituality. In fa...2023-04-1026 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogResurrection, Bodies, and Quantum ... Entanglement?Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Happy Day After Easter! Last episode, Eric talked about how Christians tend to focus so much on the Crucifixion but not enough on the Resurrection. In this episode, he reflects on how Jesus' bodily resurrection shows that God cares about our bodies as well as our spirits.
Jesus' ministry shows that God cares about our physical, social, emotional, and pyschological needs as much as God cares about our spirituality. In fa...2023-04-1026 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhy We Should Focus More on the Resurrection This EasterMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Atonement theories try to explain how sinful humans can be reconciled to a sinless, holy God. Christian atonement theories center around Jesus' death on the cross. But is the Resurrection of Jesus actually the more significant part of the equation?
In this solo episode, Eric discusses the popular atonement theories, Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), Cristus Victor, and the Scapegoat theory. Then Eric ponders whether the Resurrection plays a bigger role in...2023-04-0325 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhy We Should Focus More on the Resurrection This EasterMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Atonement theories try to explain how sinful humans can be reconciled to a sinless, holy God. Christian atonement theories center around Jesus' death on the cross. But is the Resurrection of Jesus actually the more significant part of the equation?
In this solo episode, Eric discusses the popular atonement theories, Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA), Cristus Victor, and the Scapegoat theory. Then Eric ponders whether the Resurrection plays a bigger role in...2023-04-0325 min
Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogHow Churches Fail to Help Spiritual GrowthMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Could it be that half of self-identified Christians don't imitate Christ because too many organized churches don't actually want them to grow spiritually?
Eric shares and comments on an essay from former-pastor-turned-blogger, Dan Foster, called "The 10 Reasons Church Won't Help You Grow." Listen to the previous episode, "Research Shows that Being Christian Makes You Less Like Christ," and then return to this episode.
Jim Palmer, a former megachurch pasto...2023-03-2040 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogHow Churches Fail to Help Spiritual GrowthMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Could it be that half of self-identified Christians don't imitate Christ because too many organized churches don't actually want them to grow spiritually?
Eric shares and comments on an essay from former-pastor-turned-blogger, Dan Foster, called "The 10 Reasons Church Won't Help You Grow." Listen to the previous episode, "Research Shows that Being Christian Makes You Less Like Christ," and then return to this episode.
Jim Palmer, a former megachurch pasto...2023-03-2040 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogResearch Shows that Half of Christians Aren't Christ-LikeMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric shares and comments on a recent essay by pastor-turned-blogger Dan Foster, called "Research Shows that Following Christ Makes You Less Like Christ." Research by George Barna, founder of the Christian survey/polling firm The Barna Group, shows that 54% of self-identified Christians do not agree with statements that reflect the attitudes and actions of Jesus. Dan comments on why this might be, and Eric adds his own perspective.
Learn more abo...2023-03-1329 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogResearch Shows that Half of Christians Aren't Christ-LikeMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric shares and comments on a recent essay by pastor-turned-blogger Dan Foster, called "Research Shows that Following Christ Makes You Less Like Christ." Research by George Barna, founder of the Christian survey/polling firm The Barna Group, shows that 54% of self-identified Christians do not agree with statements that reflect the attitudes and actions of Jesus. Dan comments on why this might be, and Eric adds his own perspective.
Learn more abo...2023-03-1329 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat's the Harm in Christian Nationalism? Um, Idolatry.Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
What is Christian Nationalism? What's wrong with it?
Eric discusses a new survey on Christian Nationalism that reveals alarming attitudes about religion, government, and political violence. Then he describes the problems of heresy, idolatry, and violence that arise from the ideology of Christian Nationalism.
To learn more about the survey and researchers cited in this episode, visit the following websites:
Christians Against Christian Nationalism
Public Religion Research Insti...2023-02-2048 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat is Spiritual Intelligence and How Do You Get It?Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric presents an essay by Australian blogger Dan Foster, called "Understanding the Power of Spiritual Intelligence: How It Changes Your Life." He reads through this thought-provoking, super-helpful essay based on the book, "SQ" by Harvard professor Danah Zohar, and he pauses a few times to expand on some points in light of his own experience and faith.
If you like these ideas from Dan, check out his online community, The Bac...2023-01-3035 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogRadical Inclusion at Restore Austin - An Interview with Zachary W. LambertMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric interviews Zachary W. Lambert, the lead pastor at Restore Austin in Austin, TX. Zach shares his unique spiritual journey from being kicked out of youth group to becoming a pastor. He describes his church's efforts to reach the "dechurched" and unchurched through creating an inclusive, open, and healthy community. You can watch Restore Austin sermons on their YouTube channel, follow Zach on Twitter or Instagram, or even check out the church on...2023-01-2356 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogRecovering from Religion - An Interview with Dustin ArandMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Dustin Arand is a writer on Medium who caught Eric's attention with a recent essay in which he mentioned a group called "Recovering from Religion." Dustin and Eric discuss his faith journey, the group, and the dynamics that make such a group (sadly) necessary.
Dustin's writing can be found at https://dustinarand.medium.com/. His book, Truth Evolves, is available on Amazon.
After the conversation, Dustin offered several read...2023-01-1658 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogRecovering from Religion - An Interview with Dustin ArandMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Dustin Arand is a writer on Medium who caught Eric's attention with a recent essay in which he mentioned a group called "Recovering from Religion." Dustin and Eric discuss his faith journey, the group, and the dynamics that make such a group (sadly) necessary.
Dustin's writing can be found at https://dustinarand.medium.com/. His book, Truth Evolves, is available on Amazon.
After the conversation, Dustin offered several read...2023-01-1658 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogChurch History - Augustine, Jesus, and SalvationMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
This episode concludes our series on the first five hundred years of church history. Eric summarizes previous episodes to refresh your memory and then discusses
St. Jerome's contribution to Biblical translation;
St. Augustine's influential ideas about free will, original sin, and predestination;
the Council of Chalcedon tripling-down on the Holy Trinity because people just couldn't stop disagreeing about Jesus' nature;
and the necessity of looking to Jesus' LIFE and Resurrection -- and n...2023-01-1054 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogChurch History - Heretics!Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric is excited to bring you one of the nerdiest episodes yet. He explores three prominent heresies in the early church, where they came from, and how the church's leaders evaluated them.
The beliefs we take for granted today did not always exist. The church had to determine its beliefs and doctrines. Competing ideas may seem crazy to us today, but they came from influential traditions and thinkers in their tim...2022-12-121h 09Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogChurch History - A.D. 64-70 Christian Persecution and Jerusalem's FallMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
In A.D. 64, Emperor Nero blamed the massive fire of Rome on the Christians. Thus began persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Or did it? The reality is more complicated and nuanced than our popular historical imagination.
In A.D. 70, the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. This contributed to the distinction of Christianity and Judaism, allowing different expressions of Christianity to establish themselves. That included some ideas we...2022-12-0542 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogAnti-LGBTQ Rhetoric and the Q Club ShooterMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Jesus taught that we would know "false teachers" by their fruit. Paul describes the "fruit of the flesh" as immorality, division, and violence. The "fruits of the spirit" include love, compassion, gentleness, and self-control.
Eric argues that anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has produced the rotten fruit of violence against LGBTQ people.
Rhetoric that depicts LGTBQ people as evil threats (such as people who "groom" children for abuse) pushes people who are...2022-11-2847 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe First 500 Years of the Church - A.D. 49-51 Paul's Second Missionary JourneyMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
This episode continues the series on the early history of the church. Eric focuses on Paul's second missionary journey as desribed in the IF Gathering study Anno Domini and the Acts 15-18.
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2022-10-2442 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe First 500 Years of Church History - A.D. 42-62 Paul's First Missionary JourneyMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
This episode picks up the history of the early church with Paul's first missionary journey, the Council of Jerusalem, and the inclusion of Gentile believers.
Eric puts special emphasis on the way Paul, Peter, and James creatively reinterpret and re-understand their Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament) in light of Jesus and the Work of the Holy Spirit. Their reinterpretations and applications of their scriptures and traditions included Gentiles in the chu...2022-10-1758 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe First 500 Years of Church History - 37-38 A.D. Gentiles Receive the SpiritMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
This episode continues to explore the history of the Christian church, using the IF Gathering study Anno Domini as a framework.
Eric discusses:
the conversion of Saul;
the conversion of Cornelius the Centurion;
how the early church responded to these momentous events; and
what we can learn from their example about the Spirit and biblical interpretation.
Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org
...2022-10-1045 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogDavid French and the State of TheologyMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Leave it to David French to make you think! French has been a columnist for Time Magazine, and he writes The French Press, a newsletter, for his website The Dispatch. In this episode, Eric reacts to and expands on some of David French's perspective on the State of Theology report from Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries.
French points out that Christians did very well on the survey when asked about som...2022-10-0342 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe State of Theology in 2022 and U.S. Christianity in 2070Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
In this episode, Eric breaks down the recent survey studies, "The State of Theology" by Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries, and "Modeling the Future of Religion in America" by the PEW Research Center.
The "State of Theology" report for 2022 suggests that most U.S. Christians are heretics! But Eric explains why the research may be flawed and how we should interpret the data as a call for better discipleship within our...2022-09-2640 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe State of Theology in 2022 and U.S. Christianity in 2070Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
In this episode, Eric breaks down the recent survey studies, "The State of Theology" by Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries, and "Modeling the Future of Religion in America" by the PEW Research Center.
The "State of Theology" report for 2022 suggests that most U.S. Christians are heretics! But Eric explains why the research may be flawed and how we should interpret the data as a call for better discipleship within our...2022-09-2640 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe First 500 Years of Church History - 33 A.D.Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
When did the Christian Church begin? What were the key moments in its formation? Eric discusses some early Church history with the help of Anno Domini: The First 500 Years of the Church by the IF:Gathering women's ministry. This episode focuses on 33 A.D. and the first months of the church. Future episodes on church history will follow along with Anno Domini as Eric journeys through the book.
Learn more at...2022-09-1933 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe First 500 Years of Church History - 33 A.D.Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
When did the Christian Church begin? What were the key moments in its formation? Eric discusses some early Church history with the help of Anno Domini: The First 500 Years of the Church by the IF:Gathering women's ministry. This episode focuses on 33 A.D. and the first months of the church. Future episodes on church history will follow along with Anno Domini as Eric journeys through the book.
Learn more at...2022-09-1933 min
Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThis Podcast Is Out for SummerMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Metamorphosis will be taking a break for the rest of the summer. Eric will resume recording in late August or early September of 2022. Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast!
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2022-06-2003 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogLGBTQ and the BibleMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
What does the Bible say about LGBTQ people and relationships? It's more complicated than you might think when you dig into the historical, cultural, social, and linguistic contexts of the relevant verses. Why did King Asa and King Josiah expel "male shrine prostitutes" from Israel but not their patrons? Whom did Paul have in mind when he wrote about "arsenokoitai"?
Metamorphosis's host, Eric, doesn't try to change anyone's mind about sam...2022-06-061h 10Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat Do You Want Men to Know? A Mother's Day Panel at Trinity UMCMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
May 8, 2022, was Mother's Day, and Trinity UMC hosted an intergenerational panel of women active in its ministries. Diane Kasten, Ronda Polk, Shelby Henson, and Jessica Polk Sentell shared their perspective on women in ministry, the Bible's depiction of women, and Jesus' call to women to serve God's Kingdom. Enjoy listening to their conversation!
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Aut...2022-05-1637 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat Do You Want Men to Know? A Mother's Day Panel at Trinity UMCMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
May 8, 2022, was Mother's Day, and Trinity UMC hosted an intergenerational panel of women active in its ministries. Diane Kasten, Ronda Polk, Shelby Henson, and Jessica Polk Sentell shared their perspective on women in ministry, the Bible's depiction of women, and Jesus' call to women to serve God's Kingdom. Enjoy listening to their conversation!
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Aut...2022-05-1637 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogMental Health and the ChristianMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Relevant Magazine is a Christian magazine aimed at Millennials and Gen Z (i.e., people 40 and under). Their daily email newsletter features their most popular articles for the day. Multiple days in a row, their most popular articles included the topics of mental health.
In this episode, Eric discusses these articles, the statistics on mental health, and how Christians can respond constructively to mental health issues in themselves and those aro...2022-04-2548 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogReading While Black This EasterMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people's lives.
Reading While Black: African-American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCauley garnered national attention for its insightful Biblical interpretation. Eric reviews some of the book's major themes and how Esau McCauley helps us to bring some of heaven down to earth by pursuing restorative social justice.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, P...2022-04-1856 min
Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat Is Open And Relational Theology?Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the love of Jesus to change lives.
Eric explains his journey to becoming an "open and relational theist." Open and relational theism, or ORT, is another option for people who want to believe in God and follow Jesus but struggle with some parts of traditional theology. That person whom you want to invite to Easter Sunday, but you doubt they will come? Tell them about ORT!
Learn more from the preeminent ORT scholar today, Thomas Jay Oord, at http://thomasjayoord.com/
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell...2022-04-111h 11Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe Fundamental Question - An Interview with Joe SmithMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Joe Smith, a theologian and co-host of the podcast Crisis of Faith, discusses whether he believes in God, the type of God he believes in, and how his beliefs affect his work as a pastor, theology doctoral candidate, and religious podcast host. He and Eric discuss the fundamental question facing Christians today: will we base our faith on Jesus or the bible? It's a fascinating question that's not as contradictory as it ma...2022-03-071h 04Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogCrisis of Faith - An Interview with Joe and DrewMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Crisis of Faith with Joe and Drew is a podcast for people questioning their Evangelical beliefs, who want to hear someone say out loud what they may be thinking. Eric interviews Joe and Drew about their faith backgrounds and the perspectives they bring to their podcast. You can contact them at CrisisofFaith@gmail.com.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Pod...2022-02-281h 25Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogBad Assumptions about GraceMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Kate Boyd is a Christian author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She offers resources for what she calls "Messy Middle" Christians who don't quite fit into either conservative or liberal groups. In this conversation, she and Eric discuss a recent article in the Gospel Coalition website that makes some problematic assumptions about grace and the practice of the Christian faith.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jam...2022-02-211h 02Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogGod for Grown Ups - An Interview with Dan PetersonMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Dan Peterson is the host of the podcast, God for Grown Ups, and the Senior Pastor of Queen Anne Lutheran in Seattle. Dan and Eric have a wide-ranging conversation about their faith journeys, the after-life, philosophy, and Jesus.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2022-02-141h 19Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogThe Choices of JobMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
The host of Metamorphosis, Eric, reflects on the Book of Job. Job chooses to believe in and trust God despite all evidence to the contrary. What does that mean for us today?
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2022-02-071h 02Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEmotions, the Holy Spirit, and the BibleMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
The host of Metamorphosis, Eric, reacts to an episode of The Bible Project podcast. Tim Mackie argues that Christianity and evangelism rest on a foundation of stories about Jesus, passed down by people who display Jesus' love in captivating, compelling ways. Mackie says "We get it backwards" when we begin with, "Here's this really special book." Eric could not agree more, and he tells you why.
Learn more at www.umc...2022-01-3121 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogEmotions, the Holy Spirit, and the BibleMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
The host of Metamorphosis, Eric, reacts to an episode of The Bible Project podcast. Tim Mackie argues that Christianity and evangelism rest on a foundation of stories about Jesus, passed down by people who display Jesus' love in captivating, compelling ways. Mackie says "We get it backwards" when we begin with, "Here's this really special book." Eric could not agree more, and he tells you why.
Learn more at www.umc...2022-01-3121 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWe Are Not the Prodigal Son by Joe ForrestMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Joe Forrest writes long-form, research-based essays about Christianity. His essay, "We Are Not the Prodigal Son," is a beautiful meditation on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and Joe gave permission for Eric, the host of Metamorphosis, to read the essay on the podcast.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2021-11-0917 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogIn John 3:16, Believe Means More than BelieveMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
We are saved by grace, yet the idea that someone could live an awful life and "get saved" in a deathbed conversion just doesn't sit well. Seeking insight, Eric, the host of Metamorphosis, researched the ancient Greek word translated as "believe" in John 3:16. He shares what he learned and considers the implications.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Tri...2021-10-1931 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogListening to Religious "Nones" - An Interview with Kathryn Ingram-WilsonMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Kathryn Ingram-Wilson is a personal friend and colleague of Eric, the host of Metamorphosis. She identifies as a "religions none," meaning she believes in God and considers herself spiritual but does not identify with any particular denomination. She shares her faith journey and how she came to identify as a "none."
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity Uni...2021-10-1242 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogDiscussing Racism with Joe and Drew, Pt. IIMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
This is part two of Eric's conversation about systemic racism, and how Christians can become more actively anti-racist, with Joe and Drew from the Crisis of Faith podcast.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2021-08-3143 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogDiscussing Racism with Joe and Drew, Pt. IMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
This is part one of Eric's conversation about systemic racism, and how Christians can become more actively anti-racist, with Joe and Drew from the Crisis of Faith podcast.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2021-08-2446 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogPeanut Butter and ...Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Peanut butter and ... honey? No, jelly!
We have nonconscious associations among certain things. This is called "implicit bias," and it can shape how we view, perceive, and treat people of other races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Implicit bias is just one of several terms that the host of Metamorphosis, Eric, describes in this episode, the first in a short series about systemic racism and how Christians ought to respond to it.
2021-08-1735 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogViolence in the BibleMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
The host of Metamorphosis, Eric, suggests that we can best make sense of the violence in the Bible if we view the Bible as both human and divine - kind of like Jesus.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2021-08-1054 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat's Special About Christianity?Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric Sentell, the host of Metamorphosis, explores what makes -- and does not make -- Christianity special among religions and belief systems.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2021-08-0312 minSaving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church BlogWhat's Special About Christianity?Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives.
Eric Sentell, the host of Metamorphosis, explores what makes -- and does not make -- Christianity special among religions and belief systems.
Learn more at www.umctrinity.org
Contact Eric at jamesericsentell@gmail.com
Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO2021-08-0312 min