Barry finishes up the conversation about Affirmative Action, covering the topics of quotas, tokens, and barriers to a level playing field. When it comes down to it, as we’ve learned before, our problem is clinging to our shallow arguments, not the difficulty of finding a solution.    

As background for a discussion about equity and peacemaking, Barry gives us a history lesson through the twists and turns of JFK’s Affirmative Action. A major stop on the way is colorblindness, and whether or not it is a beneficial impediment. Referenced Episode: Who’s in Charge Here? Ep 14  

Barry compares two psalms that are nearly identical, highlighting the different applications for different groups. Often we embrace the idea that to come to God we need to clean ourselves up quite a bit. In fact, the opposite is true—God is looking for people who are looking for help—a perfect match!         […]

Using the topics of cremation, political pandering, and apologetics, Barry concludes our series on cleverness. He reminds us that having a faith based in grace should center all of our confidence in Christ, leaving humility for ourselves and openness towards others.       Scripture: 1 Cor 9:24-29 Referenced episodes: When Evil Tends to Look […]

Who is crazy enough to talk about women as preachers, Rick Warren and Al Mohler, and infant salvation all in one 45-minute podcast? I think we all know who. These topics all stir numerous pots and need a good helping of nuance in order to promote greater understanding of both our doctrinal position and our […]

Everybody wants to be clever, right? While cleverness might seem like a good thing, at times it can cloak the truth. Barry begins a new series and introduces the concept by means of his Junior High debate skills, non-Euclidean geometry, and a child’s maze.         Scriptures: Matt 26:59-61 Referenced Episodes: Terms of […]

Barry takes us on a journey through various aspects of identity, highlighting the importance of acknowledging differences while extending moral equality. Ethics is in the same line of work as the good news: breaking down barriers and crossing lines.       Referenced Episodes: Disagreeing to Agree: Parts 1-3 Scriptures: Acts 22:6-22 Ez 18 Rom […]

This second episode of our series about real change has something for everyone: gnats, hermeneutics, corn shucking, and camels. Barry provides a few more instances of the ways in which we pitch our tent on the bridge instead of crossing over where love of God and others meet.         Scriptures: Matthew 23:24 […]

Barry begins a series about real change and how sometimes we stop short of it: instead of crossing a bridge, we pitch our tents in the middle. In this episode he lays that groundwork by citing some real-life (and real embarrassing) examples of this very thing in our everyday lives. Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6    

Barry covers Psalm 51 in part two of our series on David’s (the man after God’s heart) most famous failures. In this song he points out the insanely good deal we are offered (good news): we beg for mercy, and God gives it, and transformation. Our only requirement: brokenness.       Scriptures: Psalm 51 […]