Shows
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Conversation Continues - 201We are back! Irenciast has taken many different forms over the years and after a couple year break we return in a new iteration. In this episode we take some time and catch our listeners up on where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to. In addition we provide some information on the direction of the show. We are so happy to be back and are tremendously thankful for everyone that listens. We look forward to continuing the conversation with you. IRENCAST HOSTS Rev. Bonnie Rambob, MDiv | co-host Pastor Cas...
2024-10-2322 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThanks for Joining the ConversationThanks for joining the conversation for 200 episodes of Irenicast! In this episode the hosts answer your questions. The topics range from the bible, hell, marriage and more. After 7 years and 200 episodes the Irenicast team is still so thankful to helping provoke the progressive Christian imagination. Here’s to 200 more! Thanks for Joining the Conversation Comments & Questions: #1 (01:58) - New Zealand Listener Audio Question#2 (08:29) - New Zealand Listener #2, Email#3 (13:24) - Recent Apple Podcast Review#4 (14:25) - Audio Question #2#5 (25:04) - Listener Email from Former Adventist#6 (32:36) - Listener Email from Florida#7 (39:06) - Final Audio Question#8 (46:10) - Listener Email from Washington#9 (51:27) - Anon...
2022-04-191h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastAtheism and Agnosticism - Is God Always the Answer?One thing that tends to get left out of many conversations on deconstruction is atheism and agnosticism. Why is this? Even when it is brought up, it is rarely spoken of as an ending point. Why is that? Can our deconstruction lead us to atheism and agnosticism? Is that ‘okay’? Spoilers, we think it is. In this episode the Irenicast hosts discuss the important space atheism and agnosticism hold for so many on their journeys. Perhaps what we believe is less important than how we hold those beliefs. Fundamentalism can rear its ugly head in any ideology, god or no go...
2022-04-0559 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastQueer Legacy - Spirit and CallingIn this episode on queer legacy, Casey shares a recent revelation from a queer history class he has been taking. He shares the history of the term two-spirit. A term used by some to describe Indigenous North American people who fulfilled a traditional third-gender ceremonial and social role in their cultures. As someone who is both queer and has Indigenous ancestry Casey expressed his deep sense of validation in his pastoral calling. Casey also takes this revelation and challenges us to take a new look at calling and purpose. This shifts the conversation into challenging the ideas we’v...
2022-03-0146 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Problem with Patriarchal Christianity - Let Go and Let OthersThe problem with patriarchal Christianity may seem obvious to many listeners of Irenicast. It is no surprise to us that patriarchy has done perhaps irrevocable damage to not just Christianity, but the nation as well. We are seeing the ripples of that sad truth on every level in society. In this episode, three beneficiaries of the the f**ked up system we’ve come to know and loathe discuss ways we can lay aside our privilege to make room for others to lead. It is not an easy task, and sometimes it seems like it is too littl...
2022-02-0149 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Generational Divide - Special Guest Co-Host Selah CluffThe generational divide in our country feels massive. With the rise of Gen Z and the sentiment of ‘Okay Boomer’, it doesn't feel as though one generation values the other. If anything, younger generations especially are scapegoated for the direction our culture is taking. In this episode we welcome Selah Cluff and as a member of GenZ to discuss this divide and explore how we might cross it. One of the first places this discussion goes is how each generation views the future and what cultural events define the generations represented. It is a wide road of experie...
2022-01-041h 12
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastRebirthing Christmas - Virgin Mary Smashes the PatriarchyIn Episode 192 Rebirthing Christmas - Virgin Mary Smashes the Patriarchy, Bonnie, Casey, Jeff, and Rajeev, discuss a broad range of feminist perspectives on Mary the mother of Jesus and virginity. Did ancient communities understand the concept of virginity through the lens of purity culture or did they hold a more sophisticated understanding of feminine power? We leaned towards the latter. The Magnificat by Mary in the Gospel of Luke is discussed with great interest and reverence. It is a most powerful passage that is often omitted from most liturgies. The conversation explores the fleshy, lived, ex...
2021-12-211h 08
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat is Love? - The Space BetweenWhat is love? In this episode each host attempts to provide their definition of what they think love is. It quickly becomes apparent that the concept of love is more difficult to pin down than expected. Is love a feeling? Is love an action? Or is love where in between? And finally a new segment is introduced to end the show, Bad Advice Column. This segment quickly goes off the rails and hilarity ensues and fun is had by all. Conversation on What is Love (02:35)Bad Advice Column Segment (35:55) ANNOUNCEMENTS Sign...
2021-12-0755 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat is Hope? - Gratitude and WonderWhat is hope? Christianity is filled with buzz words that we can easily take for granted or turn into catch phrases. In this episode the hosts discuss one of those words, hope. Hope can mean a lot of different things for different people. It can also feel like a concept that is slowly fading from view in the current world we live in. Each host shares their current definition of hope. This leads to a short detour into a discussion on hope’s connection to the afterlife. Given the hosts' evangelical pasts this is an important elephant in the r...
2021-11-1655 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat Is Faith? - Wrestling the UnknownWhat is Faith? Bonnie, Jeff, Casey, and Rajeev share perspectives that are found just beyond the edge of clarity - “objects” are visible but there is little certainty about what those objects might be. After all, faith is murky and shifty. As the crew discusses the evolution of their personal faith journeys they confront each other by what is meant by faith and how the misunderstanding and misuse of the term has caused a lot of confusion within, and between, people. The hosts delve into the realities, and tensions, of whether faith is a personal thing, a communa...
2021-11-0251 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastBeyond the Binary of Deconstruction and Reconstruction Part Six - CommunityIn Beyond the Binary of Deconstruction and Reconstruction Part Six the co-hosts explore the diversity of what community can be: quilting club, birdwatchers, family-groups (biological or chosen), faith community, and so many more. While there is agreement that what a community looks like can vary greatly, the hosts have differing thoughts on the importance of belonging, responsibility, and duty. Ultimately there is a recognition that there is no singular way to integrate past connections, present realities, and future possibilities, when it comes to community - but it is important work to do. In the segment, Tw...
2021-10-1859 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastBeyond the Binary of Deconstruction and Reconstruction Part One - Waking UpBeyond the Binary of Deconstruction and Reconstruction Part One explores the first movement in someone’s journey toward change, waking up. To lay the groundwork, not only for this episode but the episodes to come in this series, each host shares some of the experiences that put them on the path of deconstruction. Because of the benefit of highsight, insight is given into the difficulty and eventual freedom in the deconstruction process. Toward the end of the main conversation we share a relevant portion of an interview with Debbie Glander, LMFT. Debbie’s insights into the negative effects of many fun...
2021-08-0358 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastSince We’ve Been GoneSince we’ve been gone a lot has happened in the world. An election, an insurrection, a vaccine, a new president, and a whole lot of the same old crap in the world. Things have also changed for the hosts of Irenicast. A lot of personal and professional shifts in addition to planning new stuff for Irenicast. In this come-back episode, we will be discussing all things Irenicast as we move forward into a new era of the show. We hope that you continue with Irenicast as we unpack the notions of Deconstruction and Reconstruction over the next several episode...
2021-07-2038 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat Does Christmas Mean to You? - The Great Birth Narrative DebateWhat Does Christmas Mean to You? Join the hosts of Irenicast as they ponder the birth narrative, and the multiple ways that the story of Jesus' birth has been told and understood over the years. Jeff invites the team to consider what Christmas means to them this year. The conversation begins with each of the cohosts pondering what it has been like to try to find Christmas cheer in 2020. The conversation slowly moves from finding cheer into a discussion about how each cohost interprets the story of Jesus' birth. Bonnie invites the team to recognize the importance of...
2020-12-151h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastYour Authentic Self - The Difficult Work of BecomingDiscovering your authentic self is something that can seem like a vague or cliche notion. Is there a balance between authentic inner life and authentic communal life? Where are the tensions? What does it even mean to be your authentic self? These are some of the questions explored in this episode as Allen, Bonnie, Jeff & Rajeev discuss the difficult task of figuring out our place in this insane world. Self awareness and our relation to one another become prominent talking points during this conversation. Self reflection, along with a solid community, can be powerful allies in our journ...
2020-12-011h 09
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastChanging God - A Way Out of Omni-imperial TheologyIn response to a listener question about God’s immutability, all five co-hosts discuss a changing God. The conversation begins with the God of the bible before it turns toward the God of human experience. Co-hosts reflect on the groups that might benefit from a fixed or static God and those groups that might benefit from a God who is impacted (and therefore changed) by a relational life with creation. Rajeev wonders about God ideas as connected to the ego. The conversation includes an exploration of various God narratives and systems. Are there “right” ideas about God? To clo...
2020-11-171h 00
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastAwakening Compassion - Why Was It Ever Asleep?All five co-hosts grab some tea, full of compassion for one another, to talk about awakening compassion. The conversation begins with definitions and connections to spirituality. Since everyone thinks compassion is a good thing, co-hosts wonder how we become more compassionate. By awakening? By watering a seed inside of ourselves? Through training? The conversation turns to a Christianity informed by compassion. Allen brings Tibetan Buddhism and tonglen breathing practice into the space. Bonnie brings in an Orthodox Christian breathing practice. Connecting breath and compassion, co-hosts discuss the possibility of a compassion-centered Christianity. It turns out compassion is a...
2020-10-201h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastAbortion - Uteruses and Moral AgencyCasey and Bonnie have a heart to heart on the topic of abortion. They begin by sharing their experiences with abortion, planned parenthood, anti-choice protestors and sexuality education. Casey shares his mom’s story. Bonnie shares her own. Co-hosts take an incredulous look back in time at the attitudes about abortion they inherited from their formative evangelical and fundamentalist Christian communities. Bonnie and Casey consider the opportunistic way the oppressive forces of male supremacy and patriarchy infused with American evangelical Christianity after Roe v. Wade. Using biblical references, co-hosts propose a basic moral framework to ground an act...
2020-10-0552 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastAtonement Theology Revisited - What’s the Cross Got to Do with It?At the terrific suggestion of a listener, the Irenicast crew takes up the Atonement Doctrine for round 2 in Atonement Theology Revisited. The episode begins with each co-host picking up from where we left off in Episode #59 - Why Did Jesus Die? The conversation does not last long before the question of Sin enters the room. Then co-hosts explore how Jesus’ death on the cross fits into the theological categories of Sin and Atonement. The conversation meanders through the lineage of Western Christianity which dealt us the inheritance of a particular understanding of Atonement in which violence becomes sa...
2020-09-151h 12
The Broken Record Player PodcastPublic Enemy-Fear of a Black PlanetRyan and Rajeev Rambob, co-host of Irenicast Podcast and Haystacks Podcast, discuss Public Enemy's 1990 hit album Fear of a Black Planet. Like most PE albums, Fear of a Black Planet sheds light on a number of social, cultural, and political issues in America. Filled with funk, jazz, metal, soul, this hip-hop classic is not only important for its messages, but for its sound as well. Enjoy! Irenicast Podcast: irenicast.comHaystacks Podcast: haystackspodcast.com
2020-09-1151 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastA Cadence of Despair with Tenneson WolfIn this interview Casey draws out wisdom carried by his friend Tenneson Woolf. Tenneson is a consultant, facilitator, workshop leader, coach, teacher, and writer. Keeping an eye on our collective global pandemic experience, Casey and Tenneson talk religion, human spirituality, and questions of who we are and who we want to be. They acknowledge profound challenges stirred up by the novel coronavirus and wonder about the gifts those challenges, courtesy of the virus, might have to offer us. The conversation includes an indepth look into the formation of Tenneson’s most recent book, A Cadence of Despair: Poe...
2020-09-011h 08
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation White Supremacy in Progressive ChristianityThis is the audio from our Continuing the Conversation on White Supremacy in Progressive Christianity on Facebook and YouTube Live. Jeff and Rajeev take thoughts and questions from listeners about episode #171. Catch these conversations the Monday’s after each regular episode at 5pm PST. RELEVANT LINKS From Our Continuing the Conversation on White Supremacy in Progressive Christianity Multiracial Congregations May Not Bridge Racial Divide (Article) Celeste Williams (Congressional Candidate in Arkansas) IRENCAST FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS During quarantime, we are offering additional ways to connect via Facebook Live and...
2020-07-2942 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhite Supremacy in Progressive Christianity - The Soul of The Church OrganThe conversation begins with co-hosts’ varying views on white supremacy in progressive Christianity. From there the talk turns to progressive Christian purity codes, boundary training and other forms of white-centeredness. Co-hosts take an honest look at the average progressive white Christian’s struggle with following POC leaders though they say they want to. There is discussion on the evangelical and progressive Christian responses to the Black Lives Matter movement with speculation about the future. Toward the end of the conversation, co-hosts wonder about the impact of white supremacy on white people’s souls. Does progressive Christianity have a fram...
2020-07-211h 20
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation of White Supremacy in Evangelicalism - 170bThis is the audio from our Continuing the Conversation on White Supremacy in Evangelicalism on Facebook and YouTube live on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 5pm PST. For this conversation Bonnie and Casey are on assignment and Rajeev, Jeff and Allen field listeners' questions and thoughts. You can watch the video by going to our Facebook page or YouTube channel. RELEVANT LINKS From Our Continuing the Conversation on White Supremacy in Evangelicalism Haystacks (Bonnie and Rajeev’s new podcast for fringe, questioning, ex or former Seventh-Day Adventists) Miss America (Netflix) Southern Baptist Convention The Poiso...
2020-07-1551 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhite Supremacy in Evangelicalism - Hidden in Plain SightCo-hosts begin this raw and real conversation about white supremacy in Evangelicalism by reflecting on their experiences of white supremacy in their formative churches. Memories arise from Awana, mission trips, seminary and other church settings. Co-hosts recall witnessing the pervasive project to marginalize people of color across all aspects of their formative church life. The white co-hosts marvel that with all the talk of sin, never did that talk include racism. The conversation dips into topics like colonialism, school/church integration and the invisibility of whiteness. Rajeev shares his immigrant experience of being taught to master the...
2020-07-071h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation on Quanita Roberson - 169bIn our continuing the conversation on Quanita Roberson’s episode the full cast reflects on the firehose of wisdom in episode #169. The Irenicast team specifically centers their conversation on collective grief and the value in calling on our ancestors. If you’d like to see the video replay of this conversation you can do that on Facebook and YouTube. MORE ON QUANITA ROBERSON Quanita Roberson is a facilitator dedicated to addressing embedded trauma. She is a spiritual teacher, speaker, author, life coach, and a storyteller. Her work over the past 20 years has been focuse...
2020-06-241h 04
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation on Changing TruthThis week we are continuing the conversation on Changing Truth and officially wrapping up our 4 part truth series. This is the audio from our live conversation with listeners on Facebook and YouTube. Thank you to everyone who participated. We had some great comments and questions. Check us out on Facebook and YouTube the Monday after each regular episode at 5pm PST. ANTI-RACIST RESOURCE LIST This list is an evolving anti-racist resource list, and consists of material we have found helpful in our journey into anti-racism. To view the update list please visit Irenicast.com/A...
2020-06-1047 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastChanging Truth - An Ever Evolving JourneyOur truth series is wrapped up this week with a deeply personal conversation on changing truth. Everyone on this show, and the vast majority of our listeners, have experienced a truth change. Many times we refer to that process as deconstruction. A term that reflects a reality we all share, but that falls short of communicating the depth and heartache involved in the process of changing truth. Bonnie starts the conversation with the question, “What was it like for you to wake up one morning and know you were not operating with the same set of beliefs?” The answ...
2020-06-021h 20
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation on Who Tells the TruthOnce again we are Continuing the Conversation on Who Tells the Truth, episode 167. For this edition Bonnie, Jeff, Rajeev, and showing up a little late to the party, Allen, expand their thoughts on who tells the truth. A couple of the topics explored are research methods and tradition. Listen here or watch this conversation on Facebook or YouTube. FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS During quarantime, we are offering additional ways to connect via Facebook Live. You can find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Irenicast On Thursdays, Casey will be popping on to share...
2020-05-2643 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWho Tells the Truth? - Rajeev’s Three R’s - 167Talk of truth continues with an exploration of trusted sources of truth. Co-hosts wonder what makes us think something is true. Since the printing press and ensuing Reformation, have we been programmed to think the truth can only be told through the printed word? Co-hosts share their stories of questioning the fundamental truths handed to them by the authorities in their former lives. The conversation turns toward the differences between facts and truth. Each co-host reveals their personal discernment processes. Rajeev’s truth discernment strategy is so good, Casey writes it down. As the conversation unfolds, co-hosts di...
2020-05-191h 06
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation on Moral TruthFor our continuing conversation on moral truth (Episode #166) Allen, Bonnie, Jeff and Rajeev discuss the most recent episode with listeners live on Facebook and Youtube. Some additional thoughts on moral truth are offered. Specifically the dynamic between individual and systemic morality. Thanks to everyone who participated in this continuing conversation. Join us on May 25th at 5pm PST for our next conversation on episode #167. FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS During quarantime, we are offering additional ways to connect via Facebook Live. You can find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Irenicast On Thursdays, Casey...
2020-05-1353 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastMoral Truth - Relative or Reality?Because you can’t cover Truth in just one episode, all five co-hosts come back for round two on Moral Truth. Jeff begins the conversation with the annoying question of God and the Bible as the ultimate authority on morality. All of the co-hosts weigh in with excitement. After getting that question out of the way, the repartee between co-hosts weaves together thoughts on evolving moral truth, absolute evil, forming frameworks for ethics as well as criticism of conservative and liberal approaches to morals and ethics. The conversation moves between the world of ideas and the real world applications of...
2020-05-051h 23
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuing the Conversation on Episode #165 - What is Truth?In our very first in the Continuing the Conversation series we follow up on episode #165, What is Truth? - Spilling the Capital Tea. Continuing the Conversation will be a limited run of Live events on Facebook and YouTube to expand on the previous episode and provide a platform to hear from you, our listeners. Join us on the Monday’s after each episode posts at 5pm PST on Facebook or YouTube or catch the replay on either platform. If you cannot join us live for these events please email us your questions and comments in advance at pod...
2020-04-2944 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat Is Truth? - Spilling the Capital TeaWhat is truth? The co-hosts take on the little topic of truth. Capital “T” truth? Lowercase “t” truth? You decide. Given that none of us expected 2020 to bring a pandemic lockdown, it makes sense that Irenicast would quarantime to boldly enter a crisis of truth and reality. What can we claim to know as true? The conversation begins with an attempt at defining the nature of truth. Co-hosts discuss uncertainty, relationship to truth, views on reality and the relationship between truth and power. Who gets to decide what is true? Who benefits from a collectively accepted truth? The conv...
2020-04-211h 28
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastA Feminist Approach to the Bible - Read Like A WomanA feminist approach to the bible may on the surface seem like a narrow lense in which to view scripture. However, as you’ll hear in this episode, it is more accurate to say that the interpretations that we’ve been given since the beginning of biblical scholarship are far more limiting. Especially if we believe the bible is to have a prominent place in modern Christianity. The conversation in this episode takes us through the damages and limited scope of the type of biblical interpretation taught in many churches. How a women’s voice and experience is many t...
2020-03-171h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastTalking Redemption with Jay BakkerIn this episode Casey dives right into talking redemption with Jay Bakker. Jamie Charles “Jay” Bakker is an American pastor, author and speaker. He is the son of televangelists Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker Messner. During his young adult years Bakker became disillusioned with mainstream Christianity, becoming particularly critical of Christian fundamentalism and the Christian right. He has pastored the Revolution Church in Minneapolis since 1994. Casey and Jay challenge and affirm each other as they exchange their perspectives on LGTBQ+ treatment by the church, the current political climate, the path to redemption and more. True to Iren...
2020-02-1758 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastHigh Control Religious Environments - Do Not Keep Calm and Carry OnWe’re survivors of high control religious environments? What? Irenicast co-hosts offer the (sometimes) uncomfortable awareness that if you were in an evangelical/fundamentalist community, much of your life, inside and outside of church, was probably highly controlled. The conversation includes the harmful legacy of growing up and living within a highly controlled religious environment. For example, strong leadership equals controlling people; vulnerability is exploited and access to “worldly” information is heavily managed. Each co-host shares their own experiences of how being part of a high control religious environment impacted them developmentally and psychically. Using recent...
2020-01-211h 09
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastIt’s A Process Theology Christmas - The Soul Felt Its WorthIt’s a Process Theology Christmas, because that’s our thing now. In this conversation Bonnie leads the team in a super-sized discussion on all things Christmas. Through a process theology lens of course. It begins with a discussion around an old Christmas classic, O Holy Night. Specifically the line, “and the soul felt its worth.” Where does our worth come from? God? Experience? Process theology may surprise you with its view on the value of life. It certainly did for one of our co-hosts. And from the big questions of existence itself, the conversation moves into th...
2019-12-171h 22
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWomen in Church Leadership - Home Is Where The Pulpit IsTo begin, each of the co-hosts speaks to their experiences of women in church leadership. You might be surprised. Then questions surface like -- should we be gender-izing leadership? Aren’t we over the gender binary thing? Bonnie shares her own difficult journey toward claiming pastor-hood. This episode holds an open-hearted conversation in which mistakes are made and forgiven. You’ll hear men own up to male privilege and brainstorm ways to detox masculinity. You’ll also hear Allen (and the other co-hosts, but especially Allen) get excited about the bible as the conversation turns to Christianity’s potentia...
2019-12-031h 14
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat Is Evil? - Size Does MatterIn keeping with the shadow side of Halloween, Jeff, Casey and Rajeev ask the question, what is evil? -- capital E, Evil. Each co-host brings his own, different perspective. Is Evil personal? Is it systemic? Should it be a category at all? Does the Good-Evil binary serve us or harm us? What about the Devil? Through the conversation, the co-hosts model another E word -- Evolution. Perhaps a conversation on Evil exposes an evolving spiritual/theological journey more than any other concept. The episode concludes with a rousing rendition of Irenicasting. Listen to hear who ge...
2019-11-051h 01
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastProcess Theology - Being is BecomingOur first Process Theology episode is finally here! We know many of our listeners have been waiting to hear more about this particular theology that was introduced to the Irenicast audience by Bonnie in episode #136. We expect there will be more conversations on this topic to follow. Because, in this episode, we just dip our toes into the realm of possibilities embedded in process thought and theology. As you’ll hear, Process Theology emerges out of Alfred North Whitehead’s metaphysics of reality as process which fundamentally contradicts reality as substance. This creates an opportunity for a shift i...
2019-10-151h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastFaith Healing - Legit or Placebo?Per listener request, the Irenicast crew takes up the topic of Faith Healing. Surprise! Not every evangelical and/or fundamentalist tradition approaches this topic in the same way. Co-hosts discuss personal experiences with Faith Healing through the filters of their former faith contexts as well as their current faith contexts. The question of faith leaders using “faith healing” in manipulative or exploitative ways comes up. Because of Allen and Jeff, the bible comes up too. The conversation includes the underlying exploration of what it means to be broken/not well and what it means to be whole/heal...
2019-10-011h 02
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastA Conversation On Grief with Author Megan Devine - It’s OK You’re Not OKRajeev sits down and has a conversation on grief with author Megan Devine. Grief might be the most universal human experience and Megan shares her personal journey to her work as a grief advocate. She provides wisdom into developing one’s own grief skills, whether they are needed for personal griefs or to walk into grief with a loved one. As a loving act toward yourself, listen to this conversation and take a look at all of the amazing resources Megan has available. This may be the most practical episode we’ve ever recorded. To top it off, Ra...
2019-09-1654 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastConversion Therapy - Praying the Gay AwayAllen, Casey and Jeff dive into the disturbing notion of “gay conversion therapy”, sometimes called “gay reparative therapy”. The episode begins with Casey sharing his personal experience with the horrific practice. Allen and Jeff share from their own experiences as straight white guys. All three reveal the influence of religiously institutionalized sexual purity culture and homophobia on their own formations as young men growing up. They each share their process toward seeing beauty and goodness in the entire spectrum of human sexuality. You might be thinking --- there is no way conversion therapy is still happening. Yet as the co-hos...
2019-09-031h 05
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Rev. Dr. Horace L. Griffin - Their Own Receive Them NotRajeev and Bonnie interview their good friend in this episode, The Rev. Dr. Horace L. Griffin. Rev. Dr. Horace L. Griffin is an Episcopal Priest and gay man serving St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia as Associate for Pastoral Care and Outreach. He is author of the award-winning book, Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians and Gays in Black Churches. The episode begins with Horace Griffin’s story of growing up in the Black Church in the Florida Panhandle where, at a young age, he was called into ministry by his community. However, within th...
2019-08-2058 min
The Vinyl PreacherTaking a Sabbath with the Irenicast (08.25.2019)Episode 153: We're joined by Bonnie Rambob and Casey Tinnin from the Irenicast to talk about what they are doing in Los Angeles and to talk about the Sabbath and the texts for 8.25. Check. It. Out.
Stand by me - FatM
Incomplete & Insecure - the avett brothers
Where this flower blooms - tyler the creator and frank ocean
U2 - Standup Comedy for your love
Bruce Springsteen - My city of ruins
Beyonce - Spirit
Cyndi Lauper - True Colors
Bob Marley and the Wailers - Get up, stand up
Katy Perry - Roar
Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire
Check...
2019-08-1852 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastElizabeth Jeffries PhD - Through the KaleidoscopeElizabeth Jeffries PhD, author of Through the Kaleidoscope, sits down with Irenicast co-host Jeff, bringing forth spiritual treasures out of the world of molecular biology. For anyone seeking to ground their religious affections and theological process in the solid matter of the natural world, Jeffries offers fresh ideas-- herself having navigated a path of deconstruction with an open mind and open heart. Growing up evangelical, Elizabeth Jeffries was certain about how the world worked. She had an unfalsifiable understanding of scripture, sin, God’s will, and the role of women, and she carried this same certitude into he...
2019-07-1657 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastChosen Community - Creation, Cultivation & Consent - 143In the final episode of the “relational” series, the Irenicast crew reflects on chosen community. We all need a chosen family to do life with. This is especially true for people in marginalized, oppressed groups like those who are LGBTQ+ and are those who minortized because of their race/ethnicity. Co-hosts discuss the formation and cultivation of chosen community, the distribution of power and the nature of consent -- as Allen puts it: it gets meta. Surprise, surprise, the conversation takes a theological turn. Co-hosts wonder how is God reflecting, acting, creating (or none of the above) in rela...
2019-06-041h 06
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastDeconstructing with Kids - Two Young Adults Tell Their Parents What’s UpParenting is hard, but deconstructing with kids adds an extra layer to the hard. Some parents feel the need to reform fundamentalist/evangelical Christian values into progressive Christian values. Other parents want to distance children from conservative Christianity by raising children outside of religious faith. Still other parents jerk the family back and forth as they figure it out. Because, maybe spiritual migration doesn’t happen in a straight line. In this episode co-hosts Bonnie and Rajeev Rambob interview their young adult children, Julian and Nik Rambob who share their perspectives on what it was like to move...
2019-05-211h 02
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastIntrapersonal Intelligence - From Self Care to Self AwareConceptualizing the self, building intrapersonal intelligence, becoming aware of our interconnectedness, reclaiming self-love in theological context, moving beyond platitudes about self-care, and more mix in this week’s conversation. Officially kicking off our series on relationships, the team begins with that person nearest and dearest to us - our own selves. A game of Desert Island rounds off the discussion and reveals the personalities of our co-hosts. Our Conversation on Intrapersonal Intelligence (01:11) Desert Island Segment (50:43) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Conversation on Intrapersonal Intelligence Glide Memorial United Meth...
2019-04-161h 03
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastCosmology Shapes Our Theology - A Chaotic JourneyHow cosmology shapes our theology: as our understanding of our origins and universe shifts, what does that mean for our concepts of ourselves and of God? Jeff, Allen, Raj, and Casey talk all things science and literature, touching on biological evolution, the evolution of galaxies, ancient cosmologies, fundamental shifts like the Copernican revolution and the cosmological principle, overcoming misconceptions in physics, and how all of these inform theology. Conversation on How Cosmology Shapes Our Theology (00:53) Sound Charades Segment (55:23) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Conversation on How Cosmology Shapes Our Theology
2019-03-191h 10
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastApologist or Evangelist - Roots Down, Walls DownWhile some may play the Alphabet Game on a road trip, Casey and Bonnie get into a deep conversation on two tried and true Christian approaches - Apologist or Evangelist. Jeff and Raj are brought into Casey’s and Bonnie’s road trip question: Are you an apologist or an evangelist? In other words, are you more interested in defending Christianity (or as Casey says, put lipstick on a pig) or in spreading the good news of unconditional love? Jeff wonders if the question poses a false dichotomy, maybe it’s possible to be both an apologist and an e...
2019-03-051h 06
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastIrenicast Roundtable - The Art of OversharingIrenicast Roundtable y’all! There are certain legends that speak of a round table where valiant heroes, thought leaders and purveyors of magic gathered to rid the world of injustice. Well f**k those guys. This is the round table worthy to be called a showcase of the immortals. Where else can you encounter a high caliber cast of characters that could be taken straight out of a Tolkien novel? There is Jeff, the court jester who is skilled in avoiding the fiery darts of vulnerability with humor. Allen, a powerful empath and over-sharer dubbed by m...
2019-02-051h 19
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastA Special Announcement, Politicizing Christmas and Holiday Traditions‘Tis the episode before 2019 and all through the show, we are politicizing Christmas and hoping to grow. Our new hosts are ready, and chosen with care. As we continue to cultivate a place for our souls to be laid bare. So, gather in and listen to our chatter, as we serve up something fun and challenging on a digital platter. Let us call out together without haste, Merry Christmas to all and lay the establishment to waste. Irenicast is expanding its borders this week and welcoming Bonnie & Raj Rambob and Casey Tinnin as official co-hosts of Irenicast. Liste...
2018-12-181h 11
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastMemoir of a Gay Pastor - Closets and CallingPastor Casey Tinnin, who is a gay pastor shares of his journey out of fundamentalism, coming out, and his process of being ordained in the United Church of Christ. Jeff and Pastor Casey have a lively discussion about the influence that fundamentalism and conservatism played in Casey’s coming out process. Pastor Casey talks at length about his journey, and how his faith was formed in the wake of so many Christians telling him he would never be ordained. He also speaks about growing up in evangelical purity culture and “dating Jesus” all four years of high school...
2018-12-0450 min
Divine CinemaDogmaDogma is a welcome change of pace for the films usually reviewed on Divine Cinema. Jeff, Dylan and Adam all agree that this movie was fun to watch. It is a good hearted film wrapped in a health dose of adolescent humor and Biblical mythology. In addition, it has an amazing cast of actors; Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, the always amazing Alan Rickman (RIP), Chris Rock and Salma Hayek. Of course the real question is where does this movie stack up on the pieces of silver scale? Listen and find out if Jeff, Dylan and Adam think murderous angels, Ala...
2018-11-221h 06
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastConfronting Masculinity - Building a Better Social ConstructionIn confronting masculinity, Jeff, Allen, and Raj discuss building a better social construction for themselves, particularly by tackling toxic masculinity and male supremacy. They examine their formations as cisgender-straight-males, reveal personal challenges, challenge each other and wonder what could be. Patriarchy is examined in relationship to male supremacy and toxic masculinity. A definition of toxic masculinity offered in the show is from the good men project. Women After All: Sex, Evolution, and the End of Male Supremacy by Melvin Konner M.D is cited as a resource. The reduction of testosterone in men is mentioned...
2018-11-201h 04
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastParenting During Deconstruction - Nurturing the Spiritual Child and AdolescentParenting during deconstruction, nurturing the spiritual child and adolescent in our care and in our hearts -- Rev. Bonnie Rambob (from episodes #113 and #123) joins Allen and Jeff to delve into this much-requested topic. Drawing from Lisa Miller’s research, other sources and their own experiences with parenting and ministry, Jeff, Allen and Bonnie discuss ideas about natural spirituality and the spirituality of children and adolescents. Bonnie shares her insights from parenting her kids (now adults) through her and her spouse’s (Raj Rambob from episodes #113 and #128) process of deconstruction, or as she calls it, spiritual metamorphosis. When it com...
2018-11-061h 07
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastHalloween and Heritage - Have Your Soul Cake and Eat it TooHalloween and heritage, ancestors and the thinning of the veil between worlds- Rev. Raj Rambob (From episode #113) joins Jeff and Allen to talk about all this and more in Irenicast’s fourth Halloween special. In past Halloween episodes, they have discussed the supernatural, the devil and witches. This year they reflect on the holiday itself. They reflect on the larger historical development of the day and how it specifically changed for them in moving away from fundamentalist contexts. The discussion takes them from childhood memories, how Halloween was approached in each of their fundamentalist spiritual development to wha...
2018-10-161h 07
Divine CinemaThe Case for ChristIn a surprising turn of events, The Case for Christ is not that bad a movie. The story is decent, the acting is good and the cinematography is solid. They even manage to pull off a pretty accurate period piece, as the movie takes place in the early 1980s. However, how does it do on the pieces of silver scale? Listen to find out what Jeff, Dylan and Adam have to say about the spiritual themes in this 2017 film, The Case for Christ. Initial Thoughts on The Case for Christ (00:46) The Case for Chr...
2018-10-121h 00
Divine CinemaInternational Podcast Day 2018 Bonus Episode - More of Our Favorite ThingsOn International Podcast Day 2018 Jeff, Dylan and Adam return to catch everyone up on where the heck they’ve been. Also, in what may very well be an International Podcast Day bonus episode tradition, they break format to share what they are watching and listening to. They talk movie, tv, and of course podcasts. There are enough recommendations in this episode to tide you over until next year’s edition of A Few of Our Favorite Things. ANNOUNCEMENTS Divine Cinema will return to our regular episode posating schedule on the first Thursday of Octobe...
2018-09-301h 09
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastLoving Haters In the Trump Era - With the Artist Formerly Known as MonaHow does loving haters work in the Trump era? A year and a half into Donald Trump’s presidency, what do we see when we look across the aisle? Jeff and Allen welcome back Mel (The artist formerly known as Mona) to revisit episode 90, in which they resist cheap peace, struggle with the tension of loving those who vilify the vulnerable, and wonder aloud about the lack of practical vision for the beloved community. Inside you’ll hear about Narcissism, conflict resolution, neuroscience research on political motivation, protest, the Christian Right, neoliberal shortcomings, and, to cap it all off, a rou...
2018-08-211h 10
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastRevisiting the Holy Spirit - Ghosting Our ‘isms’In revisiting the Holy Spirit, Jeff and Allen explore their Pentecostal and “cessationist” roots through deconstruction and beyond. Scriptures, liberation and process theology, ecology, pragmatism, panentheism, and more combine to inform their perspectives in this lively discussion. They also give an update about the state of the podcast and play a game in which they have to guess whether a name belongs to an X-treme sports brand or youth group. Conversation on Revisiting the Holy Spirit (02:12) State of Irenicast Survey Review (50:35) Youth Group of Sports Brand Segment (55:59) ANNOUN...
2018-07-171h 10
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastEvangelicals Shift Progressive in Proximity to Whiteness - With Special Guest Joey TorresAs some Evangelical churches shift toward progressive policies and theologies, do they do so in proximity to whiteness? What does it mean to be progressive or to inhabit progressive spaces? Guest Joey Torres discusses his doctoral research and contemplates the trajectory of American Evangelicalism. Joey Torres is a doctoral student and teaching assistant in the Study of Religion at UC Davis. To learn more about his work you can follow him on Facebook or email him at djtor@ucdavis.edu. ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to Katelyn Deininger Thompson for being the winner of J...
2018-07-031h 04
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhat Friends Are For - Cultivating Community in the Age of AnxietyThey say “that’s what friends are for,” but who are they and what is it? Finding and maintaining friendships seems like frustrating business for many of us: Jeff and Allen included. This episode asks whether it’s better to have a small group of close friends or a large group of ones further away, the possible limitations of our social brains, and more, before capping off with another “Top Three” segment about iconic duos. Conversation on What Friends are For (01:02) Top 3 Duos Segment (40:02) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Conversation on What Frien...
2018-04-1757 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastCultivating Story - Rethinking What Church Is ForAllen believes the church is for cultivating story. So let’s talk about that. And in this episode, the hosts answer “Ask Me Anything” questions submitted by listeners, including science and miracles, spiritual formation for children, and revisiting pacifism. Cultivating Story Conversation (00:55) AMA Segment (31:02) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Cultivating Story Conversation Intersections Roundtable – A Community of EXvangelicals and UNfundies – 113 (Irenicast Episode) Field of Dreams (1989 Film) Brian's Song (1971 TV Film) The Simpsons (TV Show) StoryCorps (Non-Profit Organization) From Our Irenicast AMA Segment A Christian Resp...
2018-04-031h 07
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastIntersections Roundtable - A Community of EXvangelicals and UNfundiesThis is the story of Intersections, told by pastors Allen, Casey, Bonnie and Raj -- a diverse group of clergy with their own stories of leaving Evangelical and Fundamentalist communities of faith. Together they’ve established a group for spiritual conversations between people with similar paths. Jeff and Adam (from Divine Cinema) host the roundtable. RELEVANT LINKS From Our Intersections Roundtable Get more information on Intersections at https://www.facebook.com/theintersections/ You can hear more of Adam on these Irenicast episodes or on every episode of Divine Cinema. Deconstructing Your Faith – Gues...
2018-03-061h 19
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastOut of Context Verses Revelation 4:15-16 - Hot for GodOf all the out of context verses Revelation has its fair share. One of the most used and abused passages of the New Testament, the “hot or cold” verse means exactly the opposite of what you think it means. Jeff and Allen discuss the virtues of doing good work (read: being useful) despite religious affections, then share the most useful and useless items in their own lives. Conversation on Out of Context Verses Revelation 3:15-16 (01:37) Our Usefulness Segment (38:19) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Conversation on Out of Context Verses...
2018-02-0657 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastWhy Christian Hegemony is Bad News for Christianity - Mona Drops By For a VisitMona returns to the booth for a discussion on Christian hegemony and its negative impact on Christianity. There are those that believe the United States is, and should continue to be, a Christian nation. However, what makes a nation Christian? Who decides what form of Christianity becomes the dominant form? Have we really ever been a Christian nation? These are some of the questions Jeff, Mona & Allen explore this week. The episode finishes with the crew indulging in meaningless arguments in a round of Pursuit of the Trivial. Conversation on Christian Hegemony (01:09) Pursuit of the Trivial...
2018-01-161h 16
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastCan We Get Better At Doing Spirituality?Can We Get Better At Doing Spirituality? Astrology to Astronomy, Phrenology to Psychology, and Alchemy to Chemistry -- in what ways is theology becoming? Is there such a thing as spiritual intelligence? And what do we do with the Evangelical ideas of progress and work ethic in relation to individualized faith? Jeff and Allen tackle the topic of “bettering” ourselves and our faith traditions in honor of the New Year, then share their own resolutions for 2018. Can We Get Better At Doing Spirituality? Conversation (01:17) New Year Resolutions (40:15) RELEVANT LINKS From...
2018-01-0258 min
Divine CinemaLast Days in the DesertDuring this review of Last Days in the Desert, Jeff, Dylan and Adam dive deep into their own Christologies as they debate this film’s intentions and portrayal of Jesus. Specifically the humanity of Jesus. Is this film compelling enough to be on the upper tier of Jesus films, or does it fail to reach divine status? Find out on this episode of Divine Cinema. Last Days in the Desert Review (00:04:56) Ratings and Redeemed Perspectives (01:14:33) PLOT SUMMARY Last Days in the Desert speculates on what might have happen...
2017-12-281h 30
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Incarnation - With Guest Co-Host Dr. Deborah BladesThe illustrious Deborah Blades joins us to discuss the incarnation, the disruption that are bodies, and what a theology formed in postcolonial and feminist theory might look like around the holidays. For the segment, Jeff, Allen, and Debbie talk about those times they each discovered Santa was a little too incredible. Incarnation Conversation (01:23) When We Stopped Believing in Santa Segment (57:59) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Conversation on Incarnation The Story of Gentle Thursday – Loss, Language and Feminist Theology – Guest Hosts Kat & Dr. Debbie – 072 (Deborah Blades’ First Appearance on Irenic...
2017-12-191h 12
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastReconciling the Past - From Deconstruction to ReconnectionWhat do we do with our Evangelical roots in reconciling the past? How do we navigate our former relationships? Jeff and Allen review their own efforts to reconnect and reframe at this point in their journeys through the post-evangelical wilderness and offer a few ideas that have helped them immensely along the way. And in the spirit of reflection, they name the top three things from their childhoods that didn’t hold up so well. Reconciling the Past Conversation (01:00) Top 3 Things From Our Childhood That Did Not Age Well Segment (43:52) REL...
2017-11-071h 01
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastOut of Context Verses Philippians 4:13The texts we love to misquote. In this new series, Jeff and Allen will occasionally spend an episode tackling infamously out of context verses in the Bible thrown around the Christian world. This time it's a passage used by everyone from athletes to those who oppose psychology. Philippians 4:13 Out of Context Verses Philippians 4:13 Conversation (00:59) Judging a Book by Its Cover Segment (36:35) RELEVANT LINKS Previous Episodes on the Bible The Nature of Biblical Texts – Wholly Scripture, Batman! – 004 (Irenicast Episode) Interpreting the Bible Part 1 – Literally Literature – 063 (Irenicast Episode) Interpreting the Bible Part 2 – A Scribed M...
2017-10-0354 min
Divine CinemaA Few of Our Favorite Things - International Podcast Day 2017 Bonus EpisodeJeff, Dylan and Adam share some of their favorite things in this episode. This includes what they’re watching, 2017 summer movies and of course their favorite podcasts, other than of Divine Cinema of course. Not only is this bonus episode celebrating International Podcast Day 2017 but it is also the year anniversary of this show. We started as a bonus episode on another podcast called Irenicast and here we are a year later a podcast of our own. MORE ON INTERNATIONAL PODCAST DAY International Podcast Day™ is September 30th and is an international celebration of the...
2017-09-3031 min
Divine CinemaLeft Behind (2014)Jeff, Dylan, and Adam take an in-depth look at 2014 disaster (or maybe more appropriately: a disaster of a film?) film Left Behind starring Nicolas Cage. This film is loosely based on the book of the same name and portrays what would happen in a world where Nic Cage is a pilot and experiences the rapture. The Divine Cinema co-hosts talk about all the ins and outs of the film and try to figure out what is missing from it; besides all the people that got raptured that is. Left Behind Review (05:19) Ratings and Redeemed Perspectives (47:02)...
2017-09-1359 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastContinuity, Abstinence, Transition - We Kissed Hiatus GoodbyeFreshly back in your feed after seven months. Jeff and Allen discuss their work and the return of the podcast, Mona responds to a listener question about abstinence, and Allen gives important news on the personal front. Opening Catch Up Session (00:11) Listener Response, Mona’s Thoughts on Abstinence (13:36) Allen’s Shares His Personal Journey (48:35) Closing Remarks (53:38) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Opening Catch Up Session Divine Cinema (Podcast) Past Divine Cinema Episodes (aka Divine Prequels): Christian Mingle The Movie – A Divine SINema Review – 099 (Irenicast Episode) Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas Review – Divine SINema...
2017-09-0557 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastPast, Present and Future - Irenicast LiveIn our 100th episode, we take time to reflect on the past, present and future of the show. Jeff, Mona and Allen share about who they were when the show started and reflect on what’s changed. They also share their favorite episodes and segments with other listeners who tuned in for our live recording on Facebook. ANNOUNCEMENTS After 100 straight weeks of episodes, Irenicast will be taking a bit of a break. We will have an occasional episode over the next coming weeks, but not on a weekly basis until we return from our br...
2017-01-311h 01
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Call of God to Life - Dr. Patrick B. Reyes Author of Nobody Cries When We DieHailing from one of the most violent neighborhoods in the country, from a community of field workers, Dr. Patrick B Reyes speaks with Mona this week about his book, Nobody Cries When We Die: God, Community and Surviving to Adulthood. Unlike many academic theology books, Nobody Cries is rich with not only theory, but also stories - many life moments that Dr. Reyes regards as God’s voice, spoken by a community that helped him survive incredibly difficult conditions and social systems. This interview shares some of these stories, framing an honest discussion about education, identity, prejudice, and what it...
2017-01-1757 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastHedonism and Pleasure - Hashtag Life GoalsThe making of Bucket Lists, the having of #lifegoals, the pursuit of pleasure - what role does pleasure play in giving our lives meaning? Is it central? This week, the dynamic trio discusses hedonism and pleasure, Christian adaptations a la John Piper, neurochemistry, conditioning, and whether or not the small things ought to command at least a little of our attention. A “I’ve Never” segment then reveals just how cosmopolitan each of them are. Hedonism and Pleasure Conversation (01:05) I’ve Never Segment (55:31) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Conversati...
2017-01-101h 06
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastGenerational Stereotypes - A Boomer, Gen Xer and Millennial Walk Into a BarJim Wagner (The Boomer) joins Jeff (The Gen Xer) and Allen (The Millennial) for a conversation about generational stereotypes, what function they serve, and why they exist in the first place. They explore economic and cultural contexts, deconstruct a few of the common characterizations of their own age groups, and suggest ways to combat this kind of thinking. Then, having all served as preachers in their respective careers, their skills are put to the test in another round of Jesus Juke. Conversation on Generational Stereotypes (01:02) Jesus Juke Segment (50:05) RELEVANT LI...
2017-01-0359 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastEngaging Video Game Culture - Evangelism, Exercise and ExcessVideo games are a prominent part of the American landscape and are only becoming more accessible with the advent of mobile gaming. Jeff, Mona and Allen discuss the possible ways in which video games and video game culture can cause, or encourage, good and bad behaviors. The attempted co-opting of the gaming space by evangelicals, using games for positive real life benefits and gamergate are all touched on during the conversation. The episode finished by transitioning into a light-hearted affair as each host discusses their favorite video games. Engaging Video Game Culture Conversation (00:46) Favorite Video Game...
2016-12-1358 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastInterview with Angelina Hagan a Bernie Sanders Delegate - An Inside Perspective on the DNC 2016Despite the fact that the 2016 election has come and gone there are still so many aspects to reflect on. This week Jeff sits down with Angelina Hagan, a Bernie Sanders delegate. Although we are probably all intimately familiar with the electoral process, the process of the primary elections can sometimes be confusing. Angelina describes the journey in becoming a delegate in her district in Colorado. She also describes what the Democratic National Convention was like as a Bernie delegate. The good, the bad and the divisive. And despite negative experiences during her time as a delegate, she is reinvigorated and ev...
2016-12-061h 07
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastAtmosphere of Fear - Action, Motivation, ControlFrom rallying voter bases to post-election anxieties, the 2016 election, for many, has created an atmosphere of fear. The Irenicast hosts talk about the importance of dialogue rather than dismissal when it comes to engaging fears, the relationship between fear and privilege, as well as the role fear might play in control. The hosts challenge listeners to think outside the box when it comes to fear itself - to analyzing the impact fear has on us and what its real effects are. RELEVANT LINKS From Our Atmosphere of Fear Conversation Election Night SNL Sketch with Dav...
2016-11-2248 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastUnderstanding Rape Culture - Where it Comes From and How to Discuss ItUnderstanding rape culture is a vital issue today. What is rape culture? What reality does it reflect? When did it begin? Who is responsible for creating it? This week Jeff, Mona and Allen take on the difficult topic of rape culture and discuss it from both male and female perspectives. They also discuss theologies of sexuality and ending dominance, with an honest conversation about what the Bible may or may not offer for a contemporary sexual ethic. In the effort to take a break from heavy conversation, the team ends with a game of Sort of Scattergories. Understa...
2016-11-151h 10
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastCompassion Fatigue - A Psalm of IrenicastOn the dawn of election day 2016 Jeff, Mona and Allen discuss compassion fatigue. What do you do when you’re tired of caring? When you’re tired of believing anything is going to change? These are questions many people who desire to be a part of a bigger solution face. And although no one really has the answers, it helps to talk about it and know we are not alone in our occasional desire to give up. And since it is election day we close out the episode with our own exercise in democracy in a segment called Biblical Elections...
2016-11-081h 04
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastProphecy Today - Fortune Telling or Something More?Is prophecy today simply fortune telling or something else? Jeff, Mona and Allen discuss this deceptively layered topic. Much of the time the rhetoric around prophecy, or the prophetic, or even the hebrew prophets themselves seems so otherworldly. Saturated with mysticism and the divine. Perhaps there is more. And that although all that is true, there is another dimension to the tradition of the prophetic. A practical one. One deeply connected to the real life details and systems we all encounter on a regular basis. And finally in an attempt to divine the thoughts of our co-hosts we play another...
2016-10-041h 04
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastA Critical Analysis of God’s Not Dead - Divine SinemaAs part of our celebration of International Podcast Day 2016 we are giving you a bonus episode of Irenicast. Jeff, along with guest co-hosts Adam and Dylan, provide a critical analysis of God’s Not Dead. We watch horrible Christian movies so you don’t have to. Racial stereotypes, bad theology, one-dimensional characters and the Newsboys come together for this cringe inducing film based off of a bad sermon illustration. God may not be dead, but perhaps the Christian film industry should be. RELEVANT LINKS If we’ve convinced you to watch God’s Not Dead, or...
2016-09-3056 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastArt vs the Artist - Does the Work of Terribly Flawed People Stand the Test of Time?Art vs. the artist. Can bad people create good things? How closely should we judge someone’s work in view of the person themselves? Our co-hosts go in, without concrete answers, to mine for clarity in this nebulous conversation. Two-thirds of our hosts leave this conversation relatively sure how they feel about this topic. One ends up more confused than ever. And finally, for your word-association fix, Jeff, Mona & Allen play another round of Say What?! Announcement (00:53) ‘Art vs the Artist’ Conversation (02:13) Say What?! Segment (50:37) RELEVANT LINKS From Our A...
2016-09-271h 02
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastDoes God Laugh?- Divine Emotions and ChangeDoes God laugh? Is God affected by creation and the affairs of people? Despite getting trapped in a theological hamster wheel of logic, Jeff, Mona and Allen set out to tackle these questions head on. Recognizing that, though we may never have definitive proof either way, our opinions about divine emotion have implications for the way we live and/or practice faith. To further add to the confusion we close our episode out with impossible questions in a round of “Would You Rather.” Our ‘Does God Laugh?’ Conversation (00:45) Would You Rather Segment (50:49) RE...
2016-09-131h 01
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastSimply Simplicity - With Returning Guest Host Adam LoveridgeJoining us this week for a conversation on simply simplicity is second-time guest Adam Loveridge, who steps into an empty co-host chair while Mona is on vacation. He joins Jeff and Allen as they think aloud about the nature of our relationship with the stuff we own, what it might be like to transform that relationship, and what we stand to gain in doing so (Allen thinks it’s “everything”). We know that we want to live simpler lives - lives free from distraction, stress, and worry. But it isn’t always easy. How do we navigate the tension between enj...
2016-09-0658 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastHomelessness - Where Do You Go When There Is No Place to Go?Many times it is difficult to really understand the plight of any group of people without insight into what life is really like for them. Inspired by conversation Mona overheard on a city bus, this week's episode explores the issue of homelessness. Jeff and Mona discuss attempt to provide a new perspectives on stereotypes and false rhetoric associated with homelessness. They also touch on social services like welfare. This episode closes out with a round of 10 questions. Homelessness Conversation (00:31) 10 (15) Questions Segment (51:10) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Homele...
2016-08-161h 01
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastBeer Church - With Guest Co-Host JeffLife, God, community and beer. These are the pillars of a different type of church model, beer church, introduced to us by guest co-host Jeff, aka Jeff 2. Jeff 2 shares with us the great value he places on gatherings of corporate worship. That the sacred nature of gathering together is in itself the divine, not necessarily the method or space in which we worship. His preferred method of corporate worship just happens to be beer and conversation. It is even suggested in this episode that perhaps Jesus turned water into beer and not wine. Jeff 2 joins Jeff and Mona to close...
2016-08-0959 min
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Story of Gentle Thursday - Loss, Language and Feminist Theology - Guest Hosts Kat & Dr. Debbie - 072 This week we discover the story behind the story: the feminist theology foundations of Irenicast. Mona welcomes to the show Kat, Jeff’s wife (whom you may remember from our family reunion episode), and a feminist theologian named Dr. Debbie Blades. Debbie has played in significant role in walking with both Mona and Kat during uneasy and challenging times of spiritual de- and re- construction. Mona, Kat, and Debbie share with listeners personal and poignant story of their feminist theology group called Gentle Thursday. They offer their understanding of the foundations of feminist theology and its significance to...
2016-07-191h 00
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastInterpreting the Bible Part 2 - A Scribed Meaning Week two of our interpreting the Bible series centers around a conversation on the editing of the Biblical texts. How was the Bible written over time? Jeff, Mona & Allen discuss the progression of the Biblical text over time through the lense of Source and Redaction criticism. The episode finished with a fun round of Sound Charades. Irenicast Book Club Announcement (01:02) Interpreting the Bible Part 2 Conversation (03:30) Sound Charades Segment (50:22) ANNOUNCEMENTS Irenicast Book Club Our first Irenicast Book Club with Mo...
2016-05-231h 02
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastGetting Intelligent About Emotions - A Review of Inside Out In a slight change of course from their usual approach to discussions on faith and culture, the Irenicast team gives a movie analysis and review of Inside Out. The conversation digs into elements of filmmaking, emotional intelligence, and the roles that faith communities sometimes play in shaping emotional pathways. The segment this week features each host’s cast and script for the hypothetical blockbuster, Irenicast: The Movie. Analysis and Review of Inside Out (01:01) Irenicast-ing Segment (52:46) RELEVANT LINKS From Our Review of Inside Out Inside Out...
2016-04-121h 02
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastIrenicast Family Reunion - Welcome to Our Living RoomAll under one roof for the first time since the podcast began, Jeff, Mona & Allen talk about family… with their family. The guests at this family reunion consists of Kat (Jeff’s wife), Amy (Mona’s mother and Allen’s aunt) and Vicky (Allen’s wife and Jeff’s Sister). There are even a couple appearances from Jeff & Kat’s twin girls. End your 2015 by joining us in the living room for some thoughts on life, love and family. RELEVANT LINKS What happiness looks like, literally. The Typical American Lives Only 18 Mile...
2015-12-291h 00
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastThe Irenicast Super-Sized Holiday Extravaganza - Magic, Media and Mistranslation The first annual Irenicast Christmas episode is a super-sized massive mishmash holiday extravaganza. This week the three hosts play a Christmas Cheer quiz, talk about magic and the “feeling” of Christmas, discuss favorite gift memories, analyze the “War” on Christmas (apparently, it’s over?), chat about favorite Christmas music and movies, and talk about what Biblical mistranslations in the Luke narrative might mean. Finally, Mona serenades us all for the very first time with a little acoustic version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Happy holidays to all and to all a good night! Christmas...
2015-12-221h 21
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastLeaving Evangelicalism – East of EdenIn the inaugural episode of Irenicast, Jeff, Mona & Allen discuss their journeys leaving Evangelicalism. Plus they will play a little game they like to call Jesus or Jay-Z. Host Check In (00:20) Jesus or Jay-Z (11:28) Conversation on Leaving Evangelicalism (18:53) THANK YOU A big thank you to Mike Golin for our intro and outro music. Check out his band Soulwise. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Thank you for supporting the podcast! Your ratings, reviews and feedback are not only encouraging to us pers...
2015-03-101h 04
Irenicast - A Progressive Christian PodcastConversations on Faith and Culture – Introducing IrenicastAn Irenicon is very excited to introduce Irenicast, our new weekly podcast dedicated to conversations on faith and culture. Our first official episode will be posted on Tuesday, 3/10/15. Join hosts, Jeff, Mona & Allen as they explore various topics from pop culture to more serious issues impacting religion, society, and day-to-day life. THANK YOU A big thank you to Mike Golin for our intro and outro music. Check out his band Soulwise. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Thank you for supporting the podcast! Your ratings, reviews and feedback ar...
2015-03-0401 min