Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity

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What was it about Jimmy Carter's legacy that touched so many lives beyond his presidency? Join us on Church Potluck as we share a captivating discussion with Mike, Christy, and newcomer Dr. Steve Terry, who braved the weather to be with us. Together, we explore the personal and political journey of a leader whose influence transcended his time in office. From stories of attending Carter's Sunday school class to heartfelt memories of meeting him in person, we paint a picture of a man whose genuine warmth and unwavering moral integrity left an indelible mark on those who crossed his path.

In this episode, we unravel the complexities of Carter's presidency, reflecting on his steadfast commitment to justice and humility amidst significant challenges like inflation and the Iran hostage crisis. Dr. Terry offers a unique perspective, having experienced Carter's impact before he ascended to the highest office in the land. We ponder the transformation of evangelical Christians' political involvement during Carter's era, and the emergence of the Moral Majority, while celebrating his remarkable interfaith efforts that brought diverse communities together. We also play the game show "Jimmy Carter or Dalai Lama?"

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode of Church Potluck, we dive into three thought-provoking themes with Dr. Christy Snider and Dr. Michael Bailey. First, we explore whether it is fair to say that some Republicans are deifying Trump, drawing from Thomas Edsall’s New York Times piece, "The Deification of Trump." Next, we question the trustworthiness of religious callings based on hearing God’s voice, drawing upon my own spiritual call to ministry. Finally, we examine the generational divide in understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the shifting perspectives in today's world. Tune in for a rich conversation blending faith, politics, and cultural insights.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode of Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity, Rabbi Albert Slomovitz shares his journey from chaplaincy to interfaith scholar, offering insights on bridging Jewish-Christian relations. The conversation explores how contextual knowledge and interpretation, such as Midrash, can clarify difficult biblical passages for both faiths. Through examples like the "eye for an eye" passage and the portrayal of Jewish people in Passion plays, the episode highlights the value of interfaith dialogue for fostering mutual understanding, while moments of humor remind listeners of the importance of cultural sensitivity in combating prejudice.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Papazian, Professor of Philosophy, and Michael Bailey, Associate Professor of Political Science, for a lively and personal discussion of their summer experiences and reflections.

Michael Bailey opens up about the emotional depth of his daughter’s wedding, sharing moments of joy, community, and love that defined the day, from the profound presence of family and friends to spontaneous dancing to John Denver. It’s a heartfelt reflection on a significant family milestone.

Michael Papazian takes us on a literary journey, reflecting on his summer reading, particularly the works of Nobel Prize-winning author Isaac Bashevis Singer. He explores how Singer’s vivid portrayals of Jewish life and resilience offer not only intellectual insight but also deep spiritual and emotional enrichment.

Host Dale McConkey rounds out the conversation by reflecting on two key themes in his own life: his ongoing obsession with golf and his plans for a phased retirement. As Dale contemplates transitioning from academia, he shares his excitement about dedicating more time to Church Potluck by expanding into other media. Before that, he discusses how golf has enhanced his life despite raising some moral questions.

From wedding celebrations and literary insights to life transitions and personal passions, this episode serves up a hearty feast of engaging conversation and thoughtful reflection, true to the spirit of Church Potluck.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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Explore the life of Jesus as it's represented in the modern film series, The Chosen. Join Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins and the exuberant Gabrielle Roes along with host Dale McConkey as we discuss the merits of this cinematic blockbuster within the Christian community.  We peel back the layers of film and television portrayals of Jesus to reveal how movies like The Chosen influence our faith and understanding of the scriptures. We also delve into the series' integration of Jewish customs, the artistic balance between imagination and scripture, and the emotional resonance these stories have with audiences today.

And join us as we play "Dale Got It Right or Dale Got It Wrong?" See if Gabrielle and Jon agree with these statements:

• The Chosen is the most Jewish representation of Jesus on film.
• We should be concerned by all the non-biblical content in The Chosen.
• Jesus’ personality in The Chosen is consistent with the way he is portrayed in the Bible.
• The Chosen misses the mark in the manner it gives authority to the Bible.
• We should be concerned by The Chosen’s connection to the Left Behind series.

Grab some popcorn and join the potluck! (Mixing metaphors much?)

Warning: Spoilers throughout the episode.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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As Church Potluck makes its return from an extended break, we're setting the table to feast on a diversity of Christian experiences and insights. Our latest episode serves up an intimate look at the complex and controversial intersection of faith and transgender identity. We are joined by two transgender clergy members, Rev. Kimble Sorrells and Rev. Andi Woodworth, who each share their personal and spiritual journeys with us. We are also joined by students from my (Dale's) class on the sociology of sex,  gender, and sexuality, with several of them asking questions.  Regardless of where you fall on the theological spectrum, we hope you find the podcast informative.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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Weeeee'rrre Baaaack!!! After an extended hiatus, Church Potluck has returned! In this episode (recorded a few months ago), brace yourself for a journey through the ethical labyrinth of modern science with Dr. Michael Bailey and Dr. Michael Papazian as our guides, discussing  Christian and philosophical perspectives on the latest biotechnological marvel: human embryos created with neither sperm nor eggs.

Our conversation probes the ethical minefields of new reproductive technology and its threat to philosophical liberalism. We also address the Catholic Church's teachings on the sanctity of sexual intimacy and procreation and reflect on how the separation of sex from procreation has led to a cascade of societal shifts.

And of course, we toss in a few games and lots of laughs!

Join us in this thought-provoking episode that is as rich and varied as a Church Potluck, and prepare to engage with questions that will stir your soul and nourish your mind.

Note: We've marked this episode "explicit" only because of our discussions on sexuality, which include a few colorful descriptions!

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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It's the long-awaited Oppenheimer episode! We explore the man, the myth, the movie: J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb." Our esteemed guests are Drs. Todd Timberlake (physics), Kirsten Taylor (international relations, and Clint Peters (literature and film). This episode offers an engaging blend of history, science, and ethics as we scrutinize Oppenheimer's moral dilemmas and understand his legacy as portrayed in the recent film.

We play the game "Oppenheimer or Stoppenheimer?" We explore the ethics of the atomic bomb and modern warfare. We discuss the United Methodist theological position on warfare. And in our "Leftovers" segment, we allow Clint to take a deep dive into his insights on Christopher Nolan's production of the Oppenheimer film.

It is a fun and insightful episode, so please join us at the table, come and get it, and dig in!

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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Crusades = Bad. It's that simple, isn't it? Join us for a deep dive as we explore the Crusades from multiple angles from three historians. First, Larry Marvin explores how the Crusades were not primarily an attempt to convert Muslims. Next, Kelsey Rice discusses the Crusades from the vantage point of medieval Muslims. Finally, Christy Snider discusses the ways that Crusade rhetoric is used in more recent history, especially in the wake of 9/11.

Later in the podcast during our "Leftovers" segment, we discuss the motivations behind those embarking on the Crusades, and we also discuss the motivations of modern-day historians. There's a lot of meat at this church potluck, so put on your thinking caps* and get ready to dig in!

*Feel free to disregard the custom of removing one's hat when at the dining table.

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

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Is America losing its religion? Statistics indicate yes, with a rapid decrease in church affiliation and a marked increase in people who don't identify with organized religion. This episode of Church Potluck features Curt Hersey (Communication), Michael Bailey (political science), and Michael Papazian (philosophy), who each help us explore the fall of religiosity, the rise of non-affiliation, and the evolution of religious identities.

Some topics we address in this episode:

• What features of contemporary Christianity are turning people away from the Church?
• Even with this recent decline, religious faith remains resilient in the U.S compared to other industrialized countries. Why? How?
• How does faith get transmitted from generation to generation, and why are these traditional modes failing?

Join us for some food for thought and something to chew on!

The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.