Cocktail Theology

In their series on reclaiming confusing, damaging, or misleading Christian-ese language, Elane and Benton unpack the word ‘sin’—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to uncouple it from shame.  

Cocktail: Cucumber Julep

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

Most Christians know that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit make up the Trinity, but what does that mean? Are they three Beings? Three Personalities? How are They the same and how are They different? Elane and Benton break down the basics of a Trinitarian view of God. 

Cocktail: Paloma

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

Another episode in their series on reclaiming language, Elane and Benton discuss the phrase “God is in control.” What does it say about God’s nature, behavior, and intentions? What does it say about ours?

Cocktail: That Night In Trinidad

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

Not to sound too alarmist, but cults are everywhere these days. Just watch for “we’re perfect, they’re evil” kind of rhetoric and you’ll find cult-ish behavior. Cults look like churches, political movements, caring communities, and cooler-than-you enclaves. So how do you know if you’re a part of one? 

Cocktail: By Any Other Name

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

Benton and Elane discuss the uneasy relationship between Christians and material things, why living in the world as a consumer can be so problematic, and one thing that the poor and the rich have in common.

Cocktail: Aperol Spritz

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

NEW EPISODE OUT NOW! What exactly is grace anyway? Benton and Elane continue their quest to define, demystify, and unweaponize words and phrases Christians use.

Cocktail: Paper Plane

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

If you’re an active participant in most any faith, you’d probably agree that prayer—engaging with the Divine—is an important part of a spiritual person’s life. But why do we pray? Benton and Elane look at some of the reasons prayer matters. 

Cocktail: Jairus' Daughter

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

What is redemption? What does it mean to be "redeemed"? What does the Prodigal Son have to do with it? Benton and Elane discuss.

Cocktail: Mojito

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

Sure, there's drama...tongues of fire, strange languages. Pentecost is an experience, but it's probably not what you think. Elane and Benton discuss the Holy Spirit, the beginnings of the Christian Church, and what all that means for us.  

Christians struggle with mental illness just like everybody else. So why aren't more Christians seeking help? Benton and Elane discuss misconceptions about mental illness in the church.

Cocktail: Black Walnut Old Fashioned

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