Christianity After Deconstruction: Cabernet and Pray

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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!

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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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Ready to set sail on a unique journey through the world of Christianity, wine, and pirates? We promise you'll gain a fresh perspective on faith as we uncork a delectable 2015 Chateau Monteil D’Arsac Bordeaux blend, discuss the creation of pirates, and delve into the theology of being on the edge of the inside. This unconventional voyage is sure to provide an eye-opening examination of church practices and their modern relevance. 

Together, we'll navigate the treacherous waters of 17th-century pirate history, revealing how privateers, by losing their commissions, were pushed towards piracy. This exploration allows us to understand better the changing landscape in Christianity today. We explore Richard Rohr's concept of on the edge of the inside, which has profound implications for how we view Christianity and its institutions today. What if truth is found not at the center, but the edges of our groups and beliefs? This idea serves as a compass guiding us on our journey through the complexities of Christian identity. 

Inspired by Jesus' teachings, we shed light on the emergence of two distinct camps within the Christian identity - the institutional church and the deconstructing community. Here on the edge of the inside, we explore a space that may not be easy but is profoundly meaningful, holding the potential for a more inclusive, empathetic, and diverse Christian community. So grab your glass and join us for an enlightening expedition.

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Ever wonder how a wine hobby could transform into a thriving business? My conversation with Clayton Steffen uncovers his intriguing journey into the wine world, the joy he finds in introducing others to new varieties, and the challenges he faces in this industry. We also walk you through our collective journey of tasting a variety of exquisite wines at a recent industry event. 

We then transition into the heart and soul of running a wine bar. Clayton's insights paint a vivid picture of the importance of creating a 'third place' - a safe, welcoming environment where community thrives and friendships bloom. Seamlessly blending wine with faith and community, our discussion travels to Montalcino in Tuscany, unraveling hidden gems in the world of wine. It's not just about the taste, but also the experience that comes with every sip.

Finally, we explore the excitement and challenges of planning wine tastings and the thrill that comes with introducing new varietals to wine lovers. Clayton gears up to explore the Columbia Valley in Washington next, eager to share his new experiences with his patrons. Whether you're a casual drinker or a connoisseur, join us in this riveting discussion, sip by sip, uncorking the passion, and dedication it takes to make it in the wine industry.

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Picture this; you're leading a megachurch and suddenly, you decide to make a shift. A shift from preaching to coaching, from the pulpit to facilitating high-capacity leaders. This is the intriguing journey of Mike Goldsworthy, our guest for this episode and the founder of Live Contrarian. Mike shares his experiences, from being a lead pastor to transitioning into an executive coach and facilitator. It's not just about change but a reshaping of identity and relationships. As we reminisce about our first meeting and chat about Mike's current passions, we also consider the art of sermonizing and the AI-driven world we live in.

What does the transition from a church ministry to a different medium do to your faith? With Mike, we explore this fascinating question, examining the impact on his relationship with the church and his authenticity. We discuss the guilt associated with not attending church regularly and the nature of faith evolution. We'll also delve into the language of deconstruction within faith, a topic often seen as destructive. We promise; this isn't your typical faith discussion. Mike's unique perspective on faith, drawn from his personal journey, offers fresh insights into the nature of faith expansion, growth, maturing, and evolution. 

As we share a communal wine tasting experience, brace yourself for an enlightening reflection on the role of communal experience in our relationship with wine. Mike then introduces us to the Post-Evangelical Collective that he co-founded, a community providing a sense of belonging for pastors who feel they no longer fit within Evangelicalism. We wrap up the episode by exploring the financial models that work within the post-evangelical space. Mike's story is about moving beyond boundaries and forging a new path.

Wines:

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Ever been curious about the fascinating world of winemaking? Then strap in for an inspiring journey with Chad Preston, the founder of Birds and Barrels Vineyards and partner in Cochise Wine Company. From being a wine enthusiast during his college days to now standing at the helm of a flourishing vineyard in Wilcox, Chad's story is one of passion, faith, and resilience. Tune in as we traverse the twists and turns of Chad's winemaking journey, his brave forays into new grape varieties, and the hard-earned lessons of risk-taking.

Alongside the intoxicating aroma of crushed grapes and wine barrels, there's another guiding force in Chad's life: his deep-rooted Christian faith. With the vineyard as his pulpit, Chad shares how his faith shapes his approach to winemaking and life in general. He views himself as a tool in God's toolbox, serving His divine plans in his own humble way. From his early days in youth ministry to his current role in the wine industry, Chad's faith journey is a testament to the power of belief, prayer, and listening for God's voice.

Wrapping up our conversation, we celebrate the courageous endeavors of Chad and his wife, Monica, as they continue to raise the bar of Arizona's wine industry. Reflecting on his journey, Chad emphasizes the importance of community, patience, and gratitude. This episode is a hearty toast to Chad's accomplishments and his unwavering faith. So, fill up your glass and immerse yourself in this riveting conversation about wine, faith, resilience, and the amazing journey of a hobbyist winemaker turned industry influencer.

https://birdsandbarrels.com/ 

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In this episode, I talk with my friend Tyler Johnson. Until recently, Tyler was the Lead Pastor of a ten-congregation multisite church. He recently decided to step away from that and is now a spiritual and social entrepreneur entering into the marketplace. He's a man of many convictions and recently started a business called “The Human Element.” We take sips of a 2021 Argyle Nusshaus Riesling and a 2019 Il Farneto - Rosso ‘Giandon’ as we converse about baseball, entrepreneurship, and our favorite wines.

The discussion gets deep as we explore Tyler’s transition from leading a congregation to leading in the entrepreneurial world. He shares his journey, challenges, and lessons learned about human capital in the business landscape. Tyler's business, the Human Element, is a testament to the belief in human beings as the most potent form of capital. We explore his unique approach to leadership that emphasizes empathy, relational intelligence, and emotional intelligence. Tyler drops an incredible analogy of a chef at a restaurant to what it can often feel like when leading in a church.

Our conversation with Tyler culminates with exploring unity and diversity within Christianity, and how elements like wine, food, and ambiance can reconcile religious divides. We discuss his relationship-building strategy to bridge these divides and the role of social trust in this process. As we wrap up, we delve into seeing the world through Jesus's eyes and how prioritizing the marginalized can unlock ultimate reality. So, lean in, listen up, and join us for an enlightening episode filled with thoughtful insights, wine, and baseball.

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