Shows
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 34 - The Rape or Marriage of Dinah & the Weaponization of CircumcisionGenesis 34 has one of the most interesting narratives in the book of Genesis. This chapter acts an as etiology for Israel's relationship to the people of Shechem (which becomes a really important area in the 2nd Temple Period) and the personality of the various tribes (specifically Simeon and Levi). This chapter also includes a notable scene with one of Jacob's daughters: Dinah. Interpretation varies as to whether this is a rape or a controlling intervention by her brothers, but sexual uncertainty pervades the essence of the chapter.2022-06-271h 05
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 33 - The Noble Esau & the Sketchy JacobJacob has had his name changed to Israel and we see, for the first time, a different kind of Jacob...but he's still Jacob.The two brothers meet for the first time since Jacob deceived Isaac and Esau does the opposite of getting revenge. He restores Jacob as a brother and allows Jacob to continue his journey. Does Jacob simply take advantage of Esau's radical hospitality and generosity? This chapter begins the next part of Jacob's narrative and ends the part of the Jacob cycle with his brother Esau. 2022-05-2536 min
Becoming Human41. What is Healthy Community?What should a healthy community look like?We continue our conversation on community with Dr. Ashley Pryor-Geiger and Amie Brodie. How should community work? What is required for a community to function healthily, especially with relational conflict that is bound to happen?We explore the roadblocks to community and observational practices for how to approach the difficult yet necessary experience of relationships that hold a common life well. 2022-05-2239 min
Becoming Human40. What is Community?A philosophical, sociological, and pragmatic survey of community. How has community been understood and how shouldn't community be understood in conversation with Dr. Ashley Pryor-Geiger of the University of Toledo and Amie Brodie of The Farmhouse. Community is something that we talk about a lot, but do we actually understand it?Community is the common life of a person's experience with other people together that transcends the individual. While there's no single definition, there are some ingredients necessary for community to occur. 2022-05-0858 min
The Bible ArchivesGenesis 32 - Jacob's Doesn't Wrestle. He Transforms.Who does Jacob wrestle with? Was it like a WWE match? Why does Jacob get touched on the hip and why does he walk with a limp? And what does this all mean for the people of Israel whose name starts as a result of this event?This episode covers folkloric history, theological depictions of the covenant and God, and some psychological analyses of conflict, conversion, and change. Genesis 32 is one of the most relatable chapters of the Bible and one of the most important for the Biblical narrative. 2022-05-021h 02
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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