Cocktail Theology

December is a month full of celebrations, observances, and traditions. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all objectively significant, while being extraordinarily different. Elane and Benton chat about each and why trying to make them somehow the same isn't a great idea.

Cocktail: Cranberry Party Punch

Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Ever feel like you'd rather be on the Island Of Misfit Toys than sitting at Aunt Matilda's Christmas dinner table? We have too! Sometimes old ideas, traditions, and family dynamics are more than you want to deal with. Elane and Benton chat about what to do if the holiday season feels like an itchy, ill-fitting sweater to you this year.

Cocktail: Rye Manhattan

Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Why does the church have its own calendar? What is the Lectionary and why do some churches follow it while others don't? Elane and Benton chat about the seasons of the liturgical calendar, starting at Advent, and why paying attention to them matters.

Cocktail: CT Bourbon Apple Sipper

Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Gratitude is one of those things many of us think we're pretty good at. I mean, how hard can it be to be grateful? Turns out, pretty darn hard sometimes. As important as counting blessings is, the practice of gratitude is about a lot more than that. Elane and Benton discuss. 

Cocktail: The Bensonhurst

Theme song: "Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)" recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Elane and Benton look at the various parts of the Jesus Prayer—also known as the Lord’s Prayer—and discuss what we can learn from what Jesus was teaching his disciples about how to pray.

Cocktail: Martini

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

All of us Christians know that we are supposed to confess our sins. But what does that mean exactly? To whom do we confess, and what happens after? Elane and Benton explain and demystify confession in this episode from their series on reclaiming spiritually confusing and abusive language

Cocktail: The Summitt

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

We all know the measure of holiness we should aspire to is Jesus. But it’s hard not to notice the spiritual chutzpah—or lack thereof—of others. And it can get us into trouble. Elane and Benton chat about getting (and keeping) our egos in check where our spiritual lives are concerned.

Cocktail: The Editor

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Many of us have difficult relationships with our bodies—our urges, needs, and desires—because of we’ve been taught that God thinks flesh is bad. [Spoiler alert: God doesn’t think that at all.] Benton and Elane take part the word ‘flesh,’ another in their series on reclaiming shame-promoting language for post-evangelical and queer Christians.

Cocktail: Autumn In Manhattan

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

Most of us probably grew up with the notion that God is an old white man, with flowing hair and a beard, who we refer to as Father. Elane and Benton talk about God as paternal figure, and why it’s useful to try on new ideas.  

Cocktail: Boulevardier

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.

What is home for you? Is it where you grew up? Where your family is? Where your friends are? Is home a place or a state of mind? Benton and Elane discuss the complicated ideas we have about home in front of a live audience. Recorded October 10, 2022 in Nashville.

Cocktail: Steeple

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Full song available wherever you stream music.