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We sit down with the ever-inspiring Rob Bell, whose journey from founding Mars Hill Bible Church to penning New York Times bestsellers has captivated the minds and hearts of many. Rob's latest fictional escapade lures us into a world that mirrors our own, prompting self-reflection and an adventurous examination of the societal constructs that shape our reality. As we sip on Rob's unconventional choice of beverage, we unravel the intricacies of character development, the power of naming, and the unexpected impact of bread as a life-affirming metaphor within the tapestry of his narrative.

Navigating the complexities of modern society, our conversation with Rob ventures into the realms of political polarization, wealth inequality, and the poignant struggles of homelessness. Through Heen Gru-bare's fictional journey in "Where'd You Park Your Spaceship," we are invited to contemplate the pressing issues beneath the surface of our daily lives. The laughter and wisdom that ensue encourage listeners to question the status quo as we ponder the ethics of policies and the true meaning of community in the context of our shared humanity.

In the quieter moments of our dialogue, we reflect on the profound shifts personal growth brings to our lives. Sharing stories of transitions challenging the heart, Rob and I discuss the bittersweet nature of closing chapters and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. The resonance of change, the appreciation for the artistic process, and the shared inspiration that transcends generations leave us with a sense of gratitude for the journey and the connections we forge along the way. Join us as we uncover the layers of Rob Bell's artistic vision and the messages that beckon us to look inward and embrace the beauty of evolution in our own lives.

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When Keith Saarloos swapped apple rows for vineyard vines, little did he know he'd be uncorking a legacy along with his bottles of 2021 Mayhem Grenache. As we sit down, glasses in hand, Keith takes us through the transformation of Saarloos and Sons, revealing how a family farm evolved into a vineyard with deep respect for tradition and terroir. Through our conversation, we wander down the less-traveled paths of the wine industry, uncovering the rugged beauty of stress-cultivated vines and the intimate moments that life, wine, and companionship can brew.

Amidst sips of vibrant Grenache, our chat meanders from the whimsical pairing of cupcakes with wine, to Keith's unorthodox perspectives on faith and spirituality found within the pages of the Bible. We even delve into the artistic contributions of underdogs and the unbreakable spirit of creating beauty against the odds. Keith's tales are interwoven with reflections on crafting wines that embody the family's soul, resisting the pull of fleeting trends, and likening his wine-making philosophy to a punk band's ethos—always authentic, always unique.

As we wrap up our episode, the conversation turns personal, touching on deep-seated satisfaction over fleeting happiness, the quest for generational wealth that surpasses monetary value, and the richness of life's simple joys. With Keith's vivid storytelling, you can explore the parallels between winemaking and life's larger questions, leaving you to ponder the legacy we each hope to leave behind. So, pour yourself a glass and join us for a journey into the heart of wine, family, excitement, and the stories that bind us all.

Wines by Saarloos and Sons

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Embark with us as we weave through the tapestry of France's rich vinicultural narrative alongside Nicholas Martin, a vintner whose stories are as robust as his Grenache Blanc. Picture yourself nestled in the picturesque Languedoc region, where every sip uncovers layers of heritage and innovation. We kick things off with a New Jersey Concord grape-based red that transports you back to childhood memories with its nostalgic taste, setting the stage for an episode steeped in tradition and personal tales from the art of winemaking.

Have you ever pondered the intersections of spirituality and a good bottle of wine? Our conversation takes an unexpected turn, transcending the vineyard as Nick recounts an encounter where a sermon on winemaking and faith struck a chord with an atheist French visitor. Through this dialogue, we unravel Nick's eclectic spiritual journey and the universal language of wine that bridges diverse beliefs. This episode isn't just about the notes and bouquets of fine vintages; it's a deeper foray into how our convictions and passions can coalesce in the most surprising ways.

As we uncork the final segment, we toast to the evolution of French wine culture and its ripples through family traditions and global markets. Witness the transformation of the Languedoc region, once known for bulk production, now a bastion of exquisite vintages. The impending climate change, the Paris Olympics' influence on Southern France, and the vibrancy of international exchanges are all poured into this conversation. Nicholas and I don't just discuss the confluence of wine and life's finer aspects; we celebrate them, inviting you to raise your glass to an episode that's as enlightening as it is flavorful.

Wines by:

www.awineaffair.fr 

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As we pop the cork on a bottle of conversation with Heather Hamilton, bestselling author of "Returning to Eden," our glasses aren't the only full things—our hearts and minds brim with insights into the ever-evolving journey of faith. Heather brings us her compelling story of transformation, from a rigid adherence to literal belief to an expansive embrace of mystical spirituality, a metamorphosis born of personal crisis and profound self-discovery. Together, we traverse the landscapes of biblical narratives and their psychological depths, finding striking correlations between the epic tales of ancient scripture and the mythological themes woven into our favorite Disney movies. It's a tapestry of thoughts that promises to adorn the walls of your understanding with new colors and textures.

Embark on a voyage through the enigmatic nature of the divine as we tackle the paradoxical essence of Jesus and Christ, guided by the insights of thinkers like Richard Rohr. Our dialogue takes us through the transformative realignment of prayer, moving from a distant deity to recognizing God's presence within. As a recovering evangelical, Heather shares the intimate reshaping of her own spiritual posture, navigating the delicate balance of evolving within a faith tradition while honoring the sacredness of its roots. It is a candid reflection on the intricacies of belief, the portrayal of evil in the fabric of our stories, and the challenge of reframing these ancient concepts in a contemporary context.

We culminate our session by pondering the future of Christianity, dissecting the struggles and envisioning the revitalization of communal worship through a synthesis of symbolism, ritual, and a zestful spirit. Our discussion not only questions but also celebrates the possibilities for a faith that resonates with the heartbeat of today's society. And for those thirsty for more, Heather's "Returning to Eden" serves as an invitation to continue the dialogue, to explore and exchange ideas that have the power to reshape our perspectives and enrich our spiritual dialogues. So, fellow inquisitors of the intangible, let us toast to a conversation that offers a divine sip in every word.

Wines we enjoy in the episode:

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Reverend Libby Tedder Hugus and I have woven together the deep complexities of spirituality and wine's rich narratives. This episode is a tapestry of our life journeys, where Libby's roots in South Africa and the U.S. intertwine with her calling to forge a radically inclusive spiritual community. Together, we unpack the transformative power of generous hospitality and the paramount importance of a communal table where diverse faiths are not just tolerated but celebrated. 

Our conversation meanders through the ebbs and flows of spiritual leadership and the brave decision to embrace rest and reflection, drawing insight from thinkers like Brene Brown and the enduring metaphor of Sisyphus. As Libby transitions from church leadership to the world of coaching, we explore the sacred practice of Sabbath and its counter-cultural invitation to pause from the relentless pursuit of productivity. This chapter of closure is a narrative about the courage to let go, to provide space for healing, and to discern the whispers of new beginnings amidst collective slumber keenly.

The episode is rounded out with stories of audacious goals and the exhilarating pursuit of a TEDx speaking opportunity, illustrating the potency of mental fitness coaching in unlocking our 'sage brain'. Libby's tales of wine tasting in the rolling vineyards of South Africa serve as a delightful backdrop, inspiring us to savor both the literal and figurative vineyards of our lives. Join us for a session that not only decants wisdom and wit but also pours out an invitation to embrace the diverse expressions of faith and the beauty of a church community as varied as the wines we adore.

Wines by:

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Join our thought-provoking journey with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, where long-held Christian beliefs are questioned and reenvisioned. As we unravel the fabric of traditional theology, Dr. Oord introduces us to a divine love that's deeply relational and a God whose lack of omnipotence takes on a new, groundbreaking definition. We share anecdotes, sip our preferred drinks, and navigate through a theological landscape where certainty gives way to courageous exploration. Prepare for a conversation that challenges the intellect and seeks to enkindle the spirit.

We dissect the intricate dynamics between human freedom and moral responsibility, considering how a God who influences without controlling can reshape our understanding of prayer and action. Through the lens of open and relational theology, we confront the complexities of a benevolent God and the nature of our petitions, leading us to a practice of prayer that embraces cooperation with the divine.

As we wrap up our enlightening exchange with Dr. Oord, we delve into the personal and institutional ramifications of challenging established church doctrines. Dr. Oord openly recounts the trials faced within his denomination and the vibrant discussions and resources springing from the Center for Open Relational Theology. This dialogue extends an invitation to listeners grappling with their faith, offering a fresh perspective on connecting with the divine and reimagining the possibilities of a love-centered theology.

Wine: 2019 Domaine Voarick Mercurey

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Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Cabernet and Pray, where a glass of wine meets deep conversations. In the spotlight this time is Jef Caine, an intriguing personality who's journeyed from the confinements of traditional Christianity to the liberating realms of spirituality and non-materialism. Jef, living in a van and embracing veganism, shares his fascinating insights, from questioning beliefs and Christianity's impact on his life to his recent decision to abstain from alcohol.

Our conversation with Jef is a candid exploration of personal beliefs, transformation, and self-discovery. We navigate through the complexities of life, tackling issues like living on-the-move in a van, practicing veganism, and reconciling with the aftermath of a divorce. Not shying away from humor, we also indulge in some light-hearted banter around amusing communion stories. It's a journey worth embarking on, one that promises a newfound appreciation for authentic living and the courage to question established norms.

As we approach the culmination of our chat with Jef, we delve deeper into the connection between extreme lifestyle choices, veganism, and Christianity. Jef's viewpoints provide an engaging outlook on the complexities of these aspects. We also take a moment to reflect on the current state of Christianity and the church in America today. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine, and join us in this enriching conversation that promises to challenge, amuse, and inspire.

Wine: 2019 History Red Blend

https://www.jefcaine.com

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Pour yourself a glass, and prepare to savor an enticing blend of faith, creativity, and life's joys with a hint of pressing social issues. We were thrilled to invite the remarkable Danielle Strickland to our table, an author, speaker, and self-proclaimed 'Ambassador of Fun.' With her latest book, "The Other Side of Hope," and podcast, "The Right Side Up," setting the backdrop, we swirled around the complexities of wine tasting, explored the concept of being "born again," and pondered the sober curious movement.

As we let these conversations breathe, we delved deeper into empowering women to find their voices and the role of the church in protecting its members. An intriguing pour from Danielle's life was her unique project called Imby, a tiny home movement shaking up the suburban monotony. As we neared the bottom of the glass, we touched on the harsh reality of human trafficking and our responsibility to prevent it.

We rounded off our chat with a toast to the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of inclusion within the church. And of course, no gathering is complete without a little fun, as we danced around the topic of sound effects in podcasting with Daniel. So join us for this enriching dialogue, as we explore faith, creativity, and life's joys, one sip at a time. Cheers!

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Pour a glass of wine and pull up a chair. Our latest conversation with esteemed guest, Dr. David P. Gushee, carries us through a fascinating journey into the intersections of faith, ethics, and politics. A seasoned scholar, Dr. Gushee unpacks the implications of Christian authority within the political landscape while interrogating how power dynamics play out in both religious and political spheres. As a distinguished professor of Christian ethics and author of 28 books, he invokes us to think deeper about our own political engagement.

Our discussion takes a powerful turn as we grapple with recent events in Israel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the potential future of the two-state solution. While we swirl our wines, we reflect on the church's position in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and our collective responsibility in standing against targeting and demagoguery. We dive into the critical issues at play, challenging our listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about power, authority, and the role of the church in these tumultuous times.

As we raise our glasses to a final toast, we dwell on the trials and triumphs of defending democracy and the issues plaguing American Christianity today. From confronting the nation's founding racism to discussing the transformative power of writing, our conversation with Dr. Gushee unveils hard truths and offers glimmers of hope. So join us in this enlightening exchange that serves as a reminder of our shared commitment to promoting peace, justice, and equality. Cheers to thought-provoking dialogue and the power of engaging in meaningful conversations!

Wines:

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Can love be redefined through understanding mimetic theory? Find out as we chat with Jonathan Foster, a multi-faceted father, husband, writer, and former church planter. He shares his unique insights on mimetic theory and how it can shape our approach of understanding culture and religion. We dive into the enticing world of open and relational theology, exploring its impact on the complexities of human life and relationships.

Jonathan isn't your average theologian; he's got an intriguing blend of life experiences that make this chat as light-hearted as it is profound. As we share a few laughs over his love for Mexican food and his move from Arizona to Kansas City, the conversation takes a deeper turn with Jonathan's personal journey of loss and grief. Listen as he bravely delves into the emotional world of writing a book about his personal experiences, showing us that even in the face of tragedy, there is room for growth and understanding.

From exploring Girard's theory of scapegoating to challenging the traditional concepts of omnipotence in Christianity, this episode promises a thought-provoking journey. Understand the workings of mimetic theory, decode the complexities of human relationships, and redefine your perception of love as Jonathan sheds light on these intricate subjects. Tune in to expand your knowledge and get a fresh perspective on how shared experiences can pave the way for theological shifts. Be a part of this enlightening conversation, and let the exploration begin!

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