Shows
The Fresh Expressions PodcastWhy Rural Churches Need Fresh Expressions with Tyler KleebergerRural Churches in North America are facing an overwhelming variety of difficulties. How might a fresh expressions help? In this episode, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the fresh expressions approach can help build new faith communities in any context.Tyler Kleeberger is pastor of The Farmhouse in rural Metamora, OH of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Tyler is a pastor in the United Methodist Church and is also very weird when it comes to the stereotypical pigeon-holes that are associated with those labels. He wor...2023-02-0854 min
Becoming Human42. Why I Don't Care About the Environment - [A Different Approach to Ecological Ethics]An exploration of ecological ethics: Are there moral principles and philosophical perspectives relating to the natural world? Should we care about the earth? Should it be confined to political or religious ideologies?This episode explores ecological entanglement, depoliticizing environmentalism, and the central principle for why human beings should prioritize their relationship to the earth; which has nothing to do with the environment.2022-06-1249 min
Becoming Human38. Grieving Death That is Still Alive - [A Lost Home, A Lost Family, and a Tequila Bottle Full of Dirt]Existential DeathGrief is not just for the loss of a person. Anything lost requires the grieving process. This episode explores why that is so necessary with an example of an existential death and how it was grieved. Music composed by Jon Torrence from The Native Heart.Reading from the memoir: "A Lost Home, A Lost Family, and a Tequila Bottle Full of Dirt."2022-04-1029 min
Becoming Human37. In the End - [Grief, Memorials, & Death]Our culture doesn't handle death well. From funerals to the grieving process, we can move through death more healthily. This episode explores the grieving process including:Grief as any form of loss and an unending processFour grieving principles (Distress, Trauma, Affliction, & Meaning-Making)Instrumental versus instinctive grief.Reactive versus proactive responses to grief.Memorial services versus ancient death rituals.Finally, we explore how we might re-approach grieving with a reflection experience.Music includes:Valdeldur (Sigur Ros)Day is Gone (Noah Gundersen)2022-03-2755 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 31 - Household Gods, Family Conflict, and Jacob's HomecomingJacob returns from Laban's household in Genesis 31. Rachel and Leah are left without inheritance and some household gods are stolen in the process. Genesis 31 wraps up the deception of Jacob and Laban and acts as an etiology for some pieces of land and as a theological portrait of Israel and God. Genesis 31 ends one part of the Jacob cycle and sets up another conflict that is waiting for Jacob back at home. 2022-03-2132 min
Becoming Human36. Let's Deal With Our Past - [Death, Time, & Your Fleeting Memories]What is the role of memory?Your memory is a means of grieving your inevitable death. Which then offers an honest approach to the time that you have left. This episode explores mortality, phenomenology, and an exploration of Augustine's three tenses of time: Memory, Attention, and Expectation. May you grieve your own death with every passing moment; for then there is a possibility that you can contribute to making a better world within the limited constraints of our bodies and minds. 2022-03-1345 min
Becoming Human35. The Malleable Memory Game - [Hindsight Isn't 20/20]Our memories are not realityWe tell stories, relay information, and discuss details, but they only capture the limited perspective that we've experienced. Our memories are malleable, splintered, and easily influenced selections and interpretations. Memory is not about history, memory is about meaning. Why is this the case? And how should it impact how we tell stories and memories? This episode is a conversation on epistemology. We need to stop pretending our memories are more than they really are. We need to let stories be stories. Only then will our stories be able...2022-02-2734 min
Becoming Human34. The Memory Game - [The Art of Memory and How to Remember (And Forget) StuffHow do you improve your memory?A lot of people think they don't have a good memory. That's not true. Memory is not a personality trait. Often poor memory is a result of leaving the process to chance. If you don't know the seven methods of encoding or how sensory, short-term, and long-term memory works, you probably won't have a good memory.How, then, do we remember stuff? And why do we forget things? Do you want to learn more effectively? Do you want to get better at storing information and retaining details...2022-02-1356 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 30 - Mandrakes, Sheep Breeding, and Tricking Your Way HomeGenesis chapter 30 sounds like a classic folk story. Two sisters are competing for the most kids, mandrake superstitions are used, and Jacob uses tree branches to breed Laban's flock. Really, it is a messy story about the origins of the tribe of Israel. The way Jacob's ancestry continues is rife with issues, magical thinking, and self-preservation. 2022-02-0144 min
Becoming Human33. Good Intentions & Naive Shortcomings - [The Delicate Balance Ideation and Execution]Why do we fail to enact the good ideas we have and the changes we desire? We have to confront our natural resistance to change and the complicated process of memory.2022-01-2351 min
Becoming Human32. Changing Your Health and Wellness - [An Integrative Approach With Vanessa Kleeberger]A different approach to changing and transforming your health - from diets, nutrition, exercise, and helpful processes for meaningful health and wellness development.Topics covered:How to approach holistic health transformationExploring the fitness industry (especially this time of year)The goals of integrative health: Functionality, quality of life, life expectancy, and societal valueIntrinsic mental visionExecuting actionIntuitive eatingIntuitive exerciseWhy you should drink more waterChallenging our culture's body image perspectiveThe role of accountabilityFor more on Vanessa's health and wellness coaching: vkhealthcoaching.liveTo support the show: Becoming Human Ko-Fi2022-01-161h 07
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 30v1-2 - Theodicy, Suffering, and God in the Midst of BarrennessThe beginning of Genesis chapter 30 reveals a complicated theological picture that has come up several times in the book of Genesis and occurs frequently in the literature of the Bible: Does God cause bad things to happen?This is a conversation on theodicy and Rachel's barrenness leads to Jacob claiming that God caused it. Why is barrenness treated like it is in the Bible and why does Jacob respond in such a perplexing way? 2022-01-1236 min
Becoming Human31. Three Kinds of Justice, Part II - [Eucharistic Justice]What is justice? Guest contributor Bryce Webster explores a third form of justice: Eucharistic Justice. If you acknowledge justice, you have to consider the source of that justice. Justice, therefore, is a metaphysical question and Eucharistic Justice is a way to give a source for justice and a practice of justice deeply inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 2021-12-2651 min
The Bible ArchivesThe Night Before Christmas - [Christmas Eve According to Isaiah]The Christmas Story According to IsaiahA meditation on Christmas Eve with narratives inspired by the prophet Isaiah to experience the transition from Advent to Christmas. For a video version of this content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNVuwjjddskWritten by Tyler Kleeberger and Amie Brodie.Produced by Tyler Kleeberger and Roger Tipping. Voice by Tyler Kleeberger (Meditation & Commentary), Roger Tipping (The Story of the King), & Amie Brodie (The Story of the Shepherd). Created for use by The Farmhouse.Find the...2021-12-2440 min
Becoming Human30. Three Kinds of JusticeWhat is justice? Guest contributor Bryce Webster explores justice and begins unpacking the first two options - retributive justice and restorative justice. Although retributive justice (revenge) is the most common form, there are other options. 2021-12-1247 min
Becoming Human29. Don't Quit Your Day Job - [Capitalism, Alienation, & Other Economic Misnomers]What is capitalism all about? Why do we often hate our day jobs and work? We look at our economy and alienation; and why the alternative might not be as romantic as it seems. There are problems with every type of economy. Here's why we probably won't change our modern one and why we probably wouldn't want to even if we could. 2021-11-2852 min
Becoming Human28. Why No One Wants to Work - [An Explanation of Labor]What is work and why do we say no one wants to do it? Labor is an action or exertion to develop the world through the deployment of human abilities, time, and energy and there are multiple ways to approach it. This episode explores the history of hard work, extrinsic labor, intrinsic labor, and the two overarching types of economy that result: "Production for Use" and "Production for Exchange." We need to reconsider the essence of work, work-life balance, and what work means in light of human limitations. 2021-11-1440 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 29 - Jacob, the Deceiver, Gets DeceivedJacob finally gets to his ancestral heritage and experiences a similar scene to his forefathers. Then chaos breaks loose and Jacob's past catches up with him in the form of Laban, the father of Leah and Rachel; both of whom will become Jacob's wives. Genesis 29 catalyzes the Jacob cycle and also introduces us to the history of Israel's tribes in the birth of Jacob's children. 2021-11-0447 min
Becoming Human27. How to Change Other People - [A Spurious Guide to Changing Other People | Part II]A Spurious Guide to Changing Other People (Part II)Conflicts with others beckon us to want to change them. Can you change other people? If so, how do you change other people?This episode explores how to approach changing others. It starts with you, and then you pull them into the future with you. We cover interpersonal relationships, pre-cognition, and the Pygmalion Effect.2021-10-2432 min
Becoming Human26. How Not to Change Other People - [A Spurious Guide to Changing Other People | Part I]A Spurious Guide to Changing Other PeopleConflicts with others beckon us to want to change them. Can you change other people? If so, how do you change other people?This episode explores how not to change others including peace and conflict resolution, control, and violence. 2021-10-1028 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 28 - Jacob's Story, Esau's Wives, and Dreaming of StairwaysHere's why climbing Jacob's ladder is actually about a staircase, thoughts on omnipotence, Jacob's penchant for self-preservation, and why Jacob might be an archetype for the entire identity of Israel. 2021-09-3047 min
Becoming Human25. Stay Curious, Friends - [Stoicism & the Discipline of Curiosity]Curiosity is not just a personality trait.Curiosity is a discipline that can be developed and practiced. Between David Hume and the Stoics, we can harness a more curious presence and live better with rich wisdom.Plus, a bunch of depth on the core emphases of Stoicism and why being curious is important for living well.2021-09-2642 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 27 - Hairy Arms, Stealing Blessings, & the Deception of IsraelJacob and his mother, Rebekah, team up to intervene in the future of Israel. Esau has made decisions that can't allow the covenant to continue so, with some deceptive tactics, Jacob finds a way to get the blessing. Is Isaac in on the deception? And why does Rebekah play such a prominent role? The story of Israel's future is put on full display in the microcosmic episode that also kicks off the narrative of Jacob, the final patriarch.2021-09-0252 min
Becoming Human24. The "A" Word You Don't Want to Be CalledAmathiaPhysical exercise is a common idea.But what about cognitive exercise?Amathia, often translated as "Intelligent stupidity," is the outcome of having a static perspective. This episode explores how we avoid that through things like empathy and curiosity. Otherwise, you have the banal arguments and debates so rampant in our culture.2021-08-2242 min
Becoming Human23. Can You Change Your Mind?Four Reasons Why Should & 4 Ways How You CanCan you change your mind? Absolutely! And you really might want to consider it. This episode explores four reasons our perspectives need to be put in their proper place:They are incompleteThey are constructedEntrenching them leads to competitionIf they are wrong (or just incomplete), they can result in poor decisions. We also bring up issues like confirmation bias and practical tips for growing and developing your perspective.2021-08-0836 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 26 - The Dysfunctional Family of Isaac and RebekahThe Birth of Esau and Jacob & Isaac's "Sister" RebekahAs the Genesis narrative transitions to Isaac (and quickly moves straight to Jacob), his genealogy includes the story of the birth of his twins; which sets up how the covenant continues through Jacob. Isaac's story revolves around being in Garar with Abimelech (now of the Philistines) where he says Rebekah is his sister. This partly portrays Isaac as a continuation of Abraham and partly leads us to wonder how the covenant will continue through his two sons. 2021-07-2851 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 24-25 - Isaac Marries Rebekah and the Covenant Moves Past AbrahamAbraham's Family is a Changin'Abraham, after much suspense to have an heir, is now forced to envision the how this tribe will continue after he is gone.Another woman is added to the family in chapter 24 when Isaac gets married through a very detailed, elongated proposal that must be with Abraham's family back in Haran. Through all of this, the covenant continues and we get a very specific ideology as to who Israel will be and how they ought to function as Isaac is formally shown to be the primary heir in chapter 25 and...2021-07-281h 11
Becoming Human22. Is Anything True?What is Truth?Exploring relative, subjective, and objective truth reveals that there is a progressive nature to truth. Truth is not a thing, but a process. Overview:Questions of ontology (the nature of existence) — is anything true?3 categories of truth — objective, subjective, and relative.Why objective truth is complicated.The progressive nature of truth and three ways we ought to approach it.2021-07-2528 min
Becoming Human21. Can You Know What is True?Elusive Certainty & Determining TruthCan we be certain about anything or is truth subjective? Ontology, epistemology, and the modes and tools of discerning truth(logos, ethos, pathos, epistemological assumptions, superstition, inductive and deductive reasoning). How ought limited, finite, myopic human beings use their incomplete knowledge to approach a thing like truth?OverviewOntology and epistemology — are we capable of knowing truth? Can we be certain about anything? How we pursue truth — including modes of reasoning/persuasion, epistemological assumptions, and superstition.2021-07-1829 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 22 & 23 - Sacrificing Children & Finding Covenantal LandThat time Abraham almost sacrificed his anticipated heir, Isaac and then got some of the promised land. These two chapters both deal with the manifestation of the two main promises of the covenant: Multiplied ancestors and land. So, why does Abraham go through with potentially killing Isaac and why does Abraham insist on paying for Sarah's tomb?2021-07-1346 min
Becoming Human20. Two Basic Ways to Know Things - [Rationalism, Empiricism, and the Fragility of Perspective]How Do We Know Stuff?Humans have always wondered about how we're able to know stuff. Though we have consciousness, can we have certainty? This episode explores the problem with perspective through rationalism and empiricism; reason and logic versus experience and sensory observation. Certainty is elusive and if we are gonna know anything, rationalism and empiricism might want to work together.Overview:The story of Hiroo Onoda.Plato's "Cave Analogy" and the Theory of FormsRationalism - the mind can know things independently of physical reality.Empiricism - knowledge is gained from sensory experience.Various...2021-06-2757 min
Becoming Human19. Four Ingredients to Collaborate With AnyoneThis is how the conflict resolution technique called mapmaking works. If you want to stop arguing, you have to be honest about your finite, limited perspective. Since neither person in the conflict is working with all the information, constructive possibilities remain.Then, there are four concepts and two ground rules: Empathy, humanization, trust and vulnerability, and invitation.Collaboration through asking questions is the result.Here's a snippet:It is my belief that any addition that we can mutually disclose to each other’s limited perspectives is not only worth the...2021-06-1344 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 20 & 21 - Abraham Incites a War & Ishmael Gets a FutureGenesis chapter 20 offers a complicated look at the character of Abraham and the nature of God; especially when the covenant still unfolds despite some questionable narratives. Genesis chapter 21 portrays division amongst Abraham's children and a very clear depiction of who the covenantal lineage will carry through. 2021-06-021h 10
Becoming Human18. Mapmaking: A Better Way to Handle DisagreementsStop arguing. Do this instead! If you don't know everything, maybe your conflicts and disagreements could be opportunities to see the world more than you currently do. Mapmaking is a conflict resolution technique based on the collaborative approach. In this episode, we explore how mapmaking works and what makes it different from arguing. Episode Overview:"Mending Wall" by Robert FrostArguments in our cultureWhat mapmaking isn't (competition)What mapmaking is (collaboration)Why we resort to competitionUnity in diversity2021-05-3040 min
Becoming Human17. Your (Un)Certainty is Showing (And It's Causing Problems)Our perspectives are limited and finite; we can't know everything, we aren't working with all the information, and we desire certainty even though it is quite impossible. But why does this cause problems?When we are certain about our perspective, we act like our perceptions aren't perception; and when perception is reality, we can only argue and defend. What's a better solution to our lack of certainty?2021-05-1638 min
Becoming Human16. Why You Don't Know Everything - [Perspective & Epistemology]What is a perspective and how does it work? This is a topic that deals with everyone and it's one of the biggest causes of conflict. You have a lens of the world that shapes your experience and understanding. We cover epistemology, the nature of perspective, and the phenomenology of egocentric perspectives. You know things with your mind (consciousness, logic, rationalism) and your experience (sense observation, empiricism). Both are finite and limited. You can't see and know everything, as a result. 2021-05-0931 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 18 & 19 - Sodom, Gomorrah, & HospitalityGenesis 18 must be read before understanding Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, as the first act of the covenant, practices extravagant generosity to three strange travelers. Abraham and God argue out what should be done if there are 10 righteous men, a village tribunal, in Sodom.Lot, who chose the prized land, does not have extravagant hospitality and, in fact, his village practices humiliation, dominance, and powerful violence toward the travelers. We also explore how this text has been read throughout history to help us understand how it ought to be read today. 2021-04-2958 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 16 & 17 - Abram, Sarai, Hagar, Ishmael, & CircumcisionThe covenant of Genesis continues and the question of the heir remains. Sarai concludes that the slave from Egypt, Hagar, is going to have to pass on the ancestry of Abram. Ishmael is born, conflict ensues, and Hagar is heard and seen by El-Roi. Genesis 17, in response to an heir being born by Sarai, leads to another major covenantal, symbolic ritual called circumcision. What is circumcision, why is it done the way it is done, and why is it so important for the covenant? 2021-04-2940 min
Becoming Human15. Why We Disagree - [Methods of Moral Reasoning]We put a lot of focus on the content of our disagreements; we don't even seem to consider what causes us to have such different perspectives in the first place. This episode covers the methods we use to approach issues that act as our interpretive lens for our arguments:Rule BasedGreatest GoodTeleologicalBased on Lawerence Kohlberg's "Methods of Moral Reasoning" and the social ethics of Deontology, Consequentialism, Utilitarianism, and Teleology, we see what causes us to have such divergent thoughts and irreconcilable differences. 2021-04-2550 min
Becoming Human14. Why Our Disagreements (Might) Suck - [Six Argumentative Approaches]We have conflicts and disagreements, but do we know why we have them? Do we know why they often fail to be productive?This episode covers the categories that contain our disagreements through six argumentative approaches: Pseudo, Fact, Value, Ego, and Meta. If we are going to have better arguments, we need to know what kind of arguments we are having. 2021-04-1146 min
Becoming Human13. A Brief Guide to Conflict Resolution - PracticeHow do we actually pull off healthy conflict resolution? We cover some different models and then explore processes to avoid, tips to utilize, and skills to nurture for your next conflict resolution situation.2021-03-2940 min
Becoming Human12. A Brief Guide to Conflict Resolution - TheoryConflict is gonna happen, so we might as well explore how to resolve it positively. On this episode, we look at why conflict arises in relationships of all kinds (Relational Dialectics Theory) and we explore the core components to a conflict mediation experience with the various strategies and styles we typically use.2021-03-2238 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 14-15 - Tribal Wars and Blood-Path CovenantsGenesis 14 takes us into the ancient near east and the tribal world while also offering a strange picture of a character who seems to transcend the tribes. Chapter 14 also sets up the context of who the God of the covenant is and who Abram of the covenant is.
Genesis 15 gives a deep dive into the covenant and a strange ritual contract ceremony.2021-03-171h 14
Becoming Human11. The Invitation of Conflict (Part Two)Because conflict is inevitable and has no moral value in and of itself — our response to conflict is incredibly important. We discuss three potential responses and their effects for what kind of change they might bring in the hopes that we will be able to enter into our next conflict with a much richer understanding of what we are handling.
Music by Jon Torrence & The Native Heart.Find more from Jon here.2021-03-1528 min
Becoming Human10. The Invitation of Conflict (Part One)What is conflict? How does conflict work? And why does conflict often lead to change? We look at some social psychology and change theory to see that conflict is inevitable and a natural part of being alive. We also explore how conflict has no moral value in and of itself, but how you respond to conflict does.
Music by Jon Torrence & The Native Heart.Find more from Jon here.2021-03-0827 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 12-13 - The First Patriarch, His Failures, and Divine WillWe meet Abram and follow the progression of the covenant; which doesn’t always include very good things from Abram and other finite mortals. This episode covers the nature of the Patriarchal history in Genesis and the specific stories of Genesis 12-13: The covenant blessing, the journey to Egypt, the separating of Abram and Lot, and so much more. We even talk a bit about transcendent will, determinism, and human agency.2021-03-051h 01
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 10-11 - The Tower of Babel and Its FounderThe mythic history section of Genesis comes to an end in the culminating depiction of the world’s ills. This also seems to be the final setup for the covenant. We look at the Tower of Babel and what it means for how the ancient Jewish people believed the world isn’t supposed to work.2021-03-0445 min
Becoming Human9. A Guide to Changing Things - [Transformation, Cheat Codes, and the Long Game]To what can the long-game be compared? We talk about gardens, cheat codes, and what makes “the process” actually be a process.2021-03-0113 min
Becoming Human8. A Guide to Changing Things - [Transformation and the Process]A bit of a rant about how transformation ought to work versus how our culture typically approaches change. Change is a process. We cover the “Age of Marketing” and the “Age of Ease” as well as some other societal ills in the hopes of accepting that change is, in fact, a long game.2021-02-2224 min
Becoming Human7. A Guide to Changing Things - [How We Change]Finally, we can talk about how change practically works. We explore the various steps and look specifically at the Transtheoretical Stages of Change.2021-02-1541 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 9 - Noah Gets Drunk & Someone Gets NakedThe covenant takes shape after "The Flood" (aka, the second creation). How will humanity continue? What will be different from the first creation? And what is that weird story about Canaan and Ham and the nakedness of the father?2021-02-1321 min
Becoming Human6. A Guide to Changing Things - [Change & Resistance]Change is inevitable, but we will also inevitably resist change. Here are the three main reasons why we tend to avoid actually changing things.2021-02-0139 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 6-8 - The Flood or a Restarted Creation?Popularly called “The Flood,” we look at the part of Genesis where a restart of creation happens. Details on the Nephilim, Noah, and the specific components we ought to pay attention to if we see how and why this part of the story was composed.2021-01-301h 10
Becoming Human5. A Guide to Changing Things - [Change & Destination]This is really the first step to making changes. While it involves some wearying concepts like teleology and the ethics of moral reasoning, we have to start with knowing where we want to go before we can begin to manifest the process of getting there.2021-01-2535 min
Becoming Human4. A Guide to Changing Things - [The Dangers of Change]We take a brief detour to look at some approaches to change — especially ones that are not conducive to healthy outcomes.2021-01-1919 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 4-5 - Fratricide and the Most Skipped Chapter in the BibleThe first etiological story post-Eden. Cain and Abel, the first cultures, and the genealogy that might be the most skipped chapter in the Bible. There's plenty of gems to be discovered in these two chapters.2021-01-121h 14
Becoming Human3. A Guide to Changing Things - [Can We Change?]Finding our humanity is a great idea and all, but is it even possible? Can we change?
This episode ventures into process philosophy and explores everything from the pre-socratics to modern psychology — which only leads us to the conclusion that this might be the wrong question.2021-01-1232 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 2-3 - Creation #2, Trees, and the Chapter That Doesn't Talk About SinThe second rendition of creation according to the Jewish tradition which also brings up the tenuous chapter of the whole thing with the tree. We break down the details of the second creation narrative and cover some of the issues with the notorious chapter of Genesis 3.2021-01-121h 01
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 1 - Creation #1 and Why the World Was MadeThe first rendition of creation according to the Jewish tradition.2021-01-121h 03
Becoming Human2. Dance Partners - [Philosophy & Ethics, Part II]We take a deeper look into the polar spectrum of philosophy and ethics and use a couple different illustrative graphs to help us find the balance that properly merges intellect and behavior.2021-01-0728 min
Becoming Human1. The Examined Life - [Philosophy & Ethics, Part I]Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Yet, our culture doesn’t seem to have an appropriate relationship towards examination or living. The process of becoming human must involve both. Therefore, we explore the collaboration between philosophy and ethics.
The spectral poles of intellectualism and ethics needs to be reviewed so as to nurture the pursuits of theory and practice as dance partners.2021-01-0135 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis - Overview [The Book About Origins]An overview of the book of Genesis. What is the book? How was it composed? Why is it important? Here's everything we need to explore before diving into the narrative of beginnings.2020-12-3156 min
Becoming HumanWhat is Becoming Human?What is Becoming Human?It’s an infinite conversation, really. What does it mean to be alive? How should we live? What is the best, healthiest way to exist and do all of the things that make up life? But then, how ought we engage in relationships and communication? How should we belong in society and culture? How ought we live in the world?There’s a lot to explore.And even more questions to ask. But that’s what we are here to do. I’m Tyler Kleeberger and consid...2020-12-3101 min
The Bible ArchivesEucharist as Discerning the BodyBeyond all the theological and doctrinal language, how did the first Christians articulate Eucharist? We look at the first written witness to the Sacrament of Eucharist and what the letter means in terms of “Discerning the Body” as the standard for Eucharist’s role in the life of a church.2020-10-2950 min
The Bible ArchivesEucharist as Epiclesis, Mass, & CommunionOne approach to Eucharist that most have never heard, one that folks have heard too much, and one that is so familiar that we might have lost its depth. Epiclesis comes from the Eastern Orthodox Church and forces us to root the experience of Eucharist in the action of God. Mass may be best understood as “Mission for the Kingdom” and communion, well, deals with everything.2020-10-2841 min
The Bible ArchivesEucharist as Great Thanksgiving & Lord's Supper (Re-Encountering Eucharist(Two of the most common references to Eucharist, what do they mean? The Great Thanksgiving is often the title for Eucharist liturgy and the Lord’s Supper is one of the most common title in the Western Church. But how do they help us understand what this sacrament is and how do they help shape how we live?2020-10-0143 min
The Bible ArchivesEucharist as Eucharist (Re-Encountering Eucharist)What all is covered in the sacramental ritual called Eucharist? Is it just about penitence? Or does it cover everything?
We explore the concept of food rituals and how Eucharist is intended to be a vast exercise in theological and ethical understanding.2020-10-0122 min
The Bible ArchivesEucharist as Sacrament (Re-Encountering Eucharist)What is a sacrament? And how does Eucharist accomplish the goal of being a sacrament?
We explore the difference between “sacrament” and “Sacrament” and how this ritual should fit into the theological and ethical life of Christianity.2020-10-0142 min
The Bible ArchivesLamentations for the World (Part Three: Finding God in Lamentations)How to suffer well based on an ancient book of poems. So far, Lamentations has been a bit disruptive. Is the practical assistance toward healing at the expense of God’s character? Or do we need to re-approach how we understand the immanence of the transcendent? When we find God in Lamentations, it compels healing in a beautifully meaningful way. Because the Divine has been there the entire time.2020-07-0500 min
The Bible ArchivesLamentations for the World (Part Two: Voice & Seeing)How to suffer well based on an ancient book of poems. Lamentations might just show us the tactile, pragmatic practices we need to heal from suffering. Through complex imagery, voice and seeing are revealed as the catalysts to suffering well.2020-06-2800 min
The Bible ArchivesLamentations for the World (Part One - Introducing Lamentations)How to suffer well based on an ancient book of poems.Lamentations is one of the most difficult books in the Bible. It is also one of the most helpful pictures for responding to suffering. Why is it so avoided? What’s going on? What is a Qinah? And what does this book have to say to us today?2020-06-2100 min
The Bible ArchivesA Theodicy For the World (Part Three - The Guiding Parent)We’ve deconstructed theodicy, but we now must reconstruct something in its place if we are going to properly respond to suffering. How should we understand suffering and God? This episode sets up our journey to the book of Lamentations with an alternative theodicy - The Guiding Parent:A child is the result of the parent, reflected in their image, and influenced by their being. The role of the parent is to guide the child. Therefore, the healthy parent respects the freedom of the child.In doing so, occasions of failure are certain. The child wi...2020-06-1400 min
The Bible ArchivesA Theodicy For the World (Part Two)What are the common theological responses to suffering and evil?Our conversation continues by exploring the theodicies most referred to in our cultural consciousness and by making connections with how a theodicy affects your view of suffering and how you respond to it.Includes:The Mad Farmer Liberation Front (Wendell Berry)Going Home (Noah Martis)A paraphrase of “Declarative Sentiments of Peace” (William Lloyd Garrison).2020-06-0700 min
The Bible ArchivesRacial Reconciliation - [With Jon Torrence]Our cultural climate is begging for a response. Especially in rural America, what do we do with racism and injustice. Jon Torrence, a member of our small community, offers his perspective.An impromptu response to what was a crazy Saturday, we got together at a kitchen table and did the only thing we felt like we could do — connect with the small place where we are to help change the world…beginning with where we are. In the spirit of Pentecost Sunday, our conclusions seem appropriate.2020-06-011h 21
The Bible ArchivesA Theodicy For the World (Part One)Suffering is real, so what do we do about it? What does it tell us about God and transcendence? We begin the conversation in pursuit of a theoretically and practically satisfying understanding and response to suffering.2020-05-2400 min
The Bible ArchivesThe End (Current) Times - Revelation, Dr. Seuss, & the Tale of Two WorldsWhat is the book of Revelation actually about. We set the context to help shape how we approach this book while also focusing on the nature of prophecy, apocalypse, and the ethical demand of this narrative.2020-05-1700 min
The Bible ArchivesThe Invitation of Conflict & the Story of JacobWhat is conflict? What do we do with it? And what can we learn from the story of Jacob?
Also included is a song called “Kentucky” by Noah Martis and a reflection from Bill Watterson.2020-05-0300 min
The Bible ArchivesSomething Like Earth Day - [Noah, the Flood, & Resurrection]What is the story of our tradition? What is the main thing? It is something like earth day, but it goes even further. Here’s some eco-theology on reversing entropy through cosmic salvation.2020-04-2600 min
The Bible ArchivesIs There a Word From the Lord? - Resurrection, Doubt, & Vincent Van GoghWe’re told one of the responses to Jesus’ resurrection is that “some doubted.” Is this okay? Especially in light of this year’s Easter and the chaos that exists in tension with the hope. But what if the doubt isn’t bad? What if the embracing of conflict could actually compel the very thing our questions are looking for? If Resurrection is going to happen, it might actually involve the dance with doubt, questions, and utilizing conflict to imagine a better world.2020-04-1900 min
The Bible ArchivesAn Easter Parable - [The Desecration]An unexpected story that may reveal dimensions to Jesus’ Resurrection that we don’t ordinarily see.
The story is written and performed by Jessi Turri for the Unfolded Podcast. You can find more at: unfolded.jessiturri.com. 2020-04-1235 min
The Bible ArchivesA Good Friday Experience - [Lent Barn Stations]Experience the journey of Jesus’ last hours through a tactile movement of stations. 2020-04-0921 min
The Bible ArchivesThe Palms, The Passover, & the PassionThe last week of Jesus’ life & what it means for understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection.
This audio story explores the journey from Palm Sunday to Jesus’ interaction with Passover and ends with a Tenebrae style service of Jesus’ death and burial.
Music by Noah Martis.2020-04-0634 min
The Bible ArchivesWhat Are the Palm Branches For? - [Quarantine Sessions, Palm Sunday Style]Those palm branches might mean more than we think they do. And they might reveal something about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that will help make sense of what Easter is all about.2020-04-0500 min
The Bible ArchivesIs This Exile? Coronavirus, Judgment, & TheodicyA discussion on the Biblical portrayal of judgment and what it means for our current situation — which, hopefully, is much different than you might assume just by reading that title.2020-03-2900 minThe Bible ArchivesSpecial & General Revelation - [Quarantine Sessions]We take a break from our “Work in Progress” series to adapt to the coronavirus shutdown. This is a live conversation on Zoom with various folks about the theology of revelation. How do we know anything about God? What does that mean for how we approach the lived reality of faith?2020-03-2200 minThe Bible ArchivesViruses & Fragile Societies, Gentiles & Misinterpreted Uncleanliness - [ A Work in Progress ]The week that coronavirus happened. We still gathered and hoped to create some conversations around Acts chapter 10, but also around what we are witnessing in the world. Here are some thoughts on Sabbath, place economy, and what is normal being insane. Also included, the weird trance Peter has about food (which is really about Gentiles).2020-03-1500 min
The Bible ArchivesAsh Wednesday Barn StationsA sensory process to engage with Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent in a tactile way. This experience is not only meant to help you understand Ash Wednesday, but also encounter the process of Ash Wednesday in a meaningful way.
This can be done at home (instructions are included in the PDF and in the audio).2020-03-0121 minThe Bible ArchivesElephants, Perspective, & Where We're Going - [ A Work in Progress ]We explore an invitation to Lent, the value of roots and time (as told by Johnny Cash), and a conversation about Acts chapter 7 — because the past informs the present, where you’ve been shapes where you’re going, and continuing a story requires knowing the story you are telling.2020-03-0100 min
The Bible ArchivesThere is No Magic Pill...And Other Samaritan TalesIf you’re doing this right, there will be opposition. You will be forced further and further into uncharted territory. This also means this will be a process and there is no magic pill. Also included is a discussion on crosses, Samaritans, magic, and using power to participate in something that is inherently anti-power.2020-02-2300 minThe Bible ArchivesHealing is the Medium - [ A Work in Progress ]What does healing look like in 2020? A moving song to commemorate a meaningful wedding, an object reflection on generosity, inclusion, and our resource distribution called “CAST”, and a conversation on Acts 3 in which an inexplicable healing takes place. What role should this have in a community if healing is a means to restore?2020-02-0200 min
The Bible ArchivesThe Actual Big, Big House - [A Work in Progress]Oikos, circles of inclusivity, generosity, & economy. It’s a big, big house with lots and lots of room — but it isn’t about that. Acts 2 is about a different kind of house; one that we are invited to participate in.2020-01-2600 minThe Bible ArchivesBeautiful Songs & Beautiful Words - [ A Work in Progress ]Clif Millimen shares original tunes (“Passerby” / “You Know Where to Find Me” / “Peaceful Warrior”) & Don Schiewer leads a conversation on what is really going on in Acts 2 and Pentecost.2020-01-1900 minThe Bible ArchivesLife, Labyrinths, & Letting Go - [ A Work in Progress + Quinn Gabriel's Baptism ]Life is a work in progress — and whether it’s the end of a marriage or a group of frightened disciples huddled in a room, sometimes progress means recognizing that our destination isn’t where we thought it was. Do we remain stuck in place or do we find a way to navigate the twisting paths of uncharted territory under our feet? Change brings a new landscape. If we are to continue the story in Acts, we need to learn how they adapted to the constant changing world they found themselves in.2020-01-1300 minThe Bible ArchivesStaring at the Sky of the Enormity of the Possible - [ A Work in Progress ]Acts 1v6-11The young, seemingly incompetent disciples are given a beautiful vision for what will happen next. And they respond by standing there, simply staring at the sky. Why? The same reason we often feel overwhelmed with where our stories need to go next. As we begin our work in progress, we need to be willing to pause at what feels overwhelming, while also avoiding the paralysis that could keep us from moving forward.2020-01-0500 minThe Bible ArchivesIncarnation & You - [Never Underestimate the Power of Your Presence]The in-between state of Christmas and New Year's is actually a great introduction to how we might respond to Incarnation. Here is a meditation and a discussion on our lives, our presence, and the way Christmas truly flows into the world. 2019-12-2900 min
The Bible ArchivesThe Night Before Christmas - [If Incarnation Was a Story]The journey from Advent to Christmas - told through the art of music and the profundity of stories. From a beggar in a rebellious village to Saint Nicholas retelling The Night Before Christmas and the beautiful example of Mary - we experienced the depth of incarnation and what it means for us today. Because the story of the world is not the end of the story.
What is being conceived in you? For the world is about to turn. 2019-12-251h 09The Bible ArchivesWabi Sabi & the Journey Towards Light - [Advent Conversations]Advent may be best understood by contrasting perspectives on beauty. For that, we need to talk about Wabi Sabi. But Advent is something that is best experienced. This week was a live event built around a narrative arc to prepare us from Christmas Eve. The experience is most transformative by being there, but we tried to record as much as we could so you can get a taste of the morning.2019-12-2200 minThe Bible ArchivesAdvent Conversations - Waiting & TensionAdvent gets a bit more real today. After the darkness and the absence, what do we do? Where do we go? And how do we get there? May we be people who traverse the process involved with moving in a beautiful direction.2019-12-1500 minThe Bible ArchivesAdvent Conversations - Darkness & AbsenceAdvent, a much forgotten and mis-practiced season, offers a unique opportunity in our culture. Because you can’t have Christmas without Advent. Every story of transformation begins here. So we begin our Advent conversations with the first step: Darkness and Absence. 2019-12-0800 min
The Bible ArchivesThe Advent Experience - (Barn Stations)A sensory process to engage with Advent in a tactile way. Journey through Advent not only with your head, but with your hands.
This can be done at home without audio (instructions are included in a PDF on our website).2019-11-3040 min