Beyond the Pale

Long time youth pastor Rich Kifer has seen a lot of changes in Christianity during his years of ministry.  In today's episode Rich shares with Steve his journey which has caused him to reevaluate some aspects of his belief that has ultimately led to a better life and a better faith  Journey with us Beyond the Pale with Rich Kifer

Show Index

1:45- Steve & Tammy discuss Robe Bell's new book "What is the Bible"?

12:40- Rich shares how "not" knowing is ok

22:14- Rock and Roll ain't Christian

31:19- Why the next generation is apathetic to faith

43:39- Running a Christian Halloween "Haunted House"

52:28- Anger at what the church is doing to the next generation  

Sceptic David Young, who has been a friend to this podcast and frequent guest, tragically passed away this past April after a months long battle with ALS.  Steve had the opportunity for a final conversation with David at his home, sitting on his balcony, covering a range of topics including politics, movies, living life with a terminal illness, and why he refuses to give potential employers his CV.  Journey with us as we pilgrimage Beyond the Pale one last time with David Young.  Enjoy!

For many Americans, nationalism and patriotism are as much a part of their Christianity as any teaching of Christ.  But does God see America as "exceptional" in the same way Americans do?  Which flag do we really fly higher?  When does our allegiance to earthly countries put us at odds with God's Country.  Former pastor Giles Parker explores these questions with Steve & Tammy on this weeks episode.

Show Index

13:14- Road to Emmaus 

24:25- Erasing Boundaries

27:00- "I love America...but..."

36:21- Using Jesus for political agendas

51:20- Who is in God's Kingdom?

Giles Parker returns to the show to help us wrestle with the tension of reconciling belief with experiences.  What happens when they don't line up?  Have we replaced critical thinking with learning to handle and dismiss the ideas we don't want to entertain?  Join us with Giles as we head out Beyond the Pale.

In Part 2 of our discussion with C. Allen Ries, Allen discusses the idea of Biblical inerrancy and how Christians may be better equipped viewing the Bible through a more progressive lens.  Along the way Allen shares how he has replaced "knowing" with "seeking" and how we would all be better off learning to view others through the eyes of God

Show Index

9:45- Examining Biblical inerrancy

20:46- Allen shares why he still believes in God

24:06- "Seeking" vs "Knowing"

27:12- Are Christian Creeds exclusive?

33:45- Seeing others through the "Imago Dei" (Image of God)

C. Allen Ries is a Christian music minister who shares his story coming to terms with a sexual orientation at odds with the faith he grew up with.  Allen's initial struggles as well as the peace he ultimately finds is sure to be an inspiration for you on your journey.  Along the way Allen also shares how as a "white guy" he found himself working primarily in African - American churches.

Show Index

9:58- Allen & Steve share their shared church history

13:03- "White guy" in a "Black church"

23:12- First cracks in the "belief" wall emerge

28:26- A painful divorce leads to more questions

31:30- "wrestling" with sexual orientation

36:04- Allen finds peace with God and himself

Filmmaker Mitch Birks & resident Beyond the Pale "Geek Corespondent" Martin Daniel join Steve to discuss and review the new film Wonder Woman.  Along the way they detour into the recent X-Men movie Logan before they explore the themes of God, religion, ice cream, and existential crisis found in Wonder Woman. 

Part 2 of our conversation with Cornel and Rensia Marais.  Hear them share what it is like to test their belief system and question the very premises they had arranged their lives around.

Show Index

12:35- Experiencing rejection when you question

20:51- Taking a "break" from God

29:25- A faith healer questions faith healing

43:36- Renisa shares her journey into doubt and discovery

Former "grace preacher" Cornel Marais along with his wife Rensia share with Steve & Tammy their journey into Christian ministry...and back out again.  With both honesty and humour Cornel & Rensia share their ups and downs as they attempt to figure out God, church, and life...

Show Index

9:40- Church 3 times a week???

14:06- Faith Healing Days

26:34- In the Grace Camp

31:04- "Entering the Rabbit Hole"

37:15- Pagan Christianity?

40:47- Closing the ministry 

A second live update from Spain as Steve & Tammy journey on the 500 mile pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago!