Elane and Benton discuss the idea of personhood—when does a person become a person?—and the often controversial subject of reproductive rights. What does the Bible say about abortion? How would Jesus instruct his followers to ensure that women and children are cared for? Our hosts approach these and other questions while sipping an abominable cocktail.

Cocktail: Gold Rush + Mint Julep

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

Benton wrote Christian pop songs professionally in the 90s. In this episode, he and Elane chat about the current state of Christian pop, its odd relationship with the white evangelical church, and the unmistakable media dominance of K-LOVE.

Cocktail: Frisco

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

Fewer Americans are attending worship services at a local church than ever before. Many professing Christians seem to have no affiliation—or interest in affiliating—with a church or denomination. This downturn in church attendance begs the question: How important is church in the life of a Christian? Elane and Benton discuss over a tropical sipper.

Cocktail: A Is For Ananas

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

Many Christians struggle with mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression. Elane and Benton discuss six kinds of conversations that are happening in our churches and among Christians regarding these widespread mental health concerns. 

Cocktail: White Negroni

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton discuss some of the distinctives of Mormons and Seventh-Day Adventists while they pose the question, what are the key things that define a “Christian?” Based on what each group believes, are their congregants, at a basic level, also Christians? All this while they sip on cosmopolitans.

Cocktail: Cosmopolitan

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

Reconciling faith and sexuality is a tough road for many queer people of faith, especially for those in churches that are unaccepting of LGBTQ+ people. Benton and Elane have a candid conversation about the real-life challenges they’ve each faced being both queer and Christian.

Cocktail: Gin Elderflower Fizz

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

There are some significant differences between the teachings of Jesus and those of the Apostle Paul. Jesus spoke in parables, teaching individuals and small groups, and emphasizing relationship. Paul wrote plainly to churches made up of new Christians—a mix of Jews and non-Jews, many in hostile environments. Jesus’ teachings still prove to be universal. Paul’s are more contextual. Apples and oranges? Elane and Benton discuss. 

Cocktail: Moscow Mule

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

In the third part of their series, “You Might Be An Evangelical If…,” Benton and Elane talk about how important it is not to throw the baby out with the bathwater when reevaluating one’s beliefs. This applies to post- and ex-evangelicals too.

Cocktail: Little Italy

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

Elane and Benton pose the question, “Are Catholics Christians?” Might sound like an absurd question, but it is one that persists in some protestant and evangelical circles. They try to clear up some common misunderstandings and share a bit from their own experiences while enjoying a cocktail.

Cocktail: Vieux Carre

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.

When was the last time you heard mental health addressed from the pulpit in your church? Most pastors don’t encourage their followers to pay attention to their own mental health. Therapy and anti-depressants are discouraged too. The alternatives they offer? “Try harder, pray more, take your eyes off yourself, and (worst case), see a Christian counselor.” Elane and Benton talk about the disconnect between Christians and mental health care.

Cocktail: Corpse Reviver #2

Theme song: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)” recorded by Benton Stokes. Find Benton’s songs wherever you listen to music online.