Beyond the Pale

Roundtable discussion with Tammy and singer / songwriter Dave Griffiths as they discuss Donald Trump's inaugural speech and the challenges Christians may (or should) have with an "America First" agenda.

Former evangelical missionary Adam Benner talks with Steve on why the church frequently gives into the temptation to grasp for political power highlighting the recent American election as an example.

Show Index

4:40- American evangelical patriotism

15:35- Why evangelicals voted for Trump

23:32- Putting the American Kingdom first

36:43- Street cred needed to critique evangelicalism

Adam Benner shares his journey from right wing evangelical missionary to a more Christlike faith.  Along the way he discusses politics, American patriotism, and the challenge of a changing faith when your financial livelihood depends on the evangelical structure.

Show Notes:

4:22- Are Christ's teachings of secondary importance?

12:00- An evangelical childhood

28:48- Evangelical response to Adam's change of belief

29:21 When your income is dependant on your belief system

37:00- Old school evangelicals vs. a new generation

Brian Zahnd, pastor, theologian, and acclaimed author of books that include "Beauty Will Save The World" and "Farewell To Mars", joins his wife, Peri, to talk with Steve & Tammy about their recent pilgrimage on Spain's Camino de Santiago. What follows are laughs, delightful stories an insights that will encourage and inspire you on your own faith journey.

SHOW INDEX:

7:20 - Brian shares why he and Peri walked the Camino

10:52 - The "Vibe" of the Camino

13:16 - "A 500 mile walk to church"

25:19 - Brian & Peri deal with conflict on the Camino

28:22 - La Sagrada Familia: Architecture as worship

32:08 - 3 realities of pilgrimage

35:35 - The kindness of people on pilgrimage

38:48 - The challenge of helping Christians see their faith as pilgrimage

Former police officer Samuel Lai shares with Steve his story of being a corrupt cop who used his position on the police force to subsidise his lifestyle and drug habit.  However his encounter with renowned missionary Jackie Pullinger sets him on a path to ultimate redemption.

Show Notes

6:52 - A life on drugs

7:32- Joining the police force

11:20- Life as a corrupt cop

23:03 - Arrested

27:35 - Meeting Jackie Pullinger

32:15 - A new life

Martin Daniel joins Steve at Little Mario's Pizzeria to analyse the 2016 election and get perspectives on the Donald Trump win from different folk around the world.

Episode Index

7:19- Jon Stewart's perspective

13:45- A Singaporean perspective

16:47- Seth Myer's perspective

20:30- A British perspective

25:50- Jonathan Pie's perspective

28:50- A Scottish perspective

45:50- Trevor Noah's perspective

56:00- An American perspective

Our Camino Tales series continues as Steve & Sharon Canale share how they decided to celebrate retirement...by walking Spain's 500 mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Show Index:

7:37 - Inspired by "The Way" film

9:59 - Walking the Camino with your spouse

21:44 - Encountering protesters in Santiago

23:38 - How I almost left Gabriel on the Camino

25:53 - First day on the Camino

35:40 - Encountering a pilgrim with a terminal illness

David Young shares how his evidence based skeptical worldview shapes his life as well as discussing where there are some bridges of commonality with the Christian faith shared by Steve & Tammy.  

Podcast Index:

7:20 - How David became a skeptic

22:12 - Skeptics in the Pub

27:13 - Effects of Tribalism

35:11 - Morality & Ethics for a skeptic

41:00 - Bible & Morality

46:25 - Are we wired for Belief or Unbelief?

In this short bonus episode: While waiting for Tammy to arrive, Steve & David discuss their mutual love for podcasting as well as show a little non-love for the current U.S. election.  Enjoy!

Steve's friend David Young has recently been diagnosed with ALS or "Lou Gehrig's Disease"  It's a fatal degenerative illness of which there is no cure.  Over a couple cold beers and some fried rice Steve & Tammy talk with David about how he is coping with this tragic twist in his journey and find he plans to live the best life possible in the time he has left with family & friends.  Along the way David hopes the manner in which he faces this deadly illness can be a help for others finding themselves in a similar place.

Show Index:

7:45- Facing a Deadly Diagnosis

18:44: Why no cure for ALS

22:38- How David copes

32:41- Atheist in a Foxhole

36:15- Hope for an Afterlife?

39:55- Do Atheists go to Heaven?