Who knew we could mix culture and religion in so many ways! Barry describes extraordinary religion in this episode and challenges us to begin exploring what may be silly hills on which to die.     Book: America: Religions and Religion, Catherine Albanese    

Barry starts a conversation about how we mix culture and religion. All groups and nations do it but being aware of it is important for us to live our Christianity.     Book: America: Religions and Religion, Catherine Albanese Poem: “The Gift Outright”, Robert Frost Article: Senate Democrats support conservative-backed Texas bill requiring pro-sports teams […]

The good news of Christmas Day sweeps through the countryside and temple, past and present, and brings with it a promise as old as our wildest dreams—Emmanuel.     Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-3 Ruth 1-2 2 Chronicles 3:10-17 Luke 1:76-79, 2:4-14, 23:44-49

Barry talks about why sometimes we front-load the good news with bad news instead, and he offers a new way of thinking about our part in sharing the gospel.     Scriptures: Acts 14:8-17, 17:22-31, 3:13-15 Ephesians 4:15 Matthew 23 Ezekiel 34: 1-6 Luke 12:13-21, 16:1-9, 16:19-31, 9:51-5, 18:9-14 Romans 1:18-20 Matthew 7:1-5 1 Peter […]

The sentiment, “If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself” doesn’t work when it comes to faith. Barry talks through James 5:12-20 and discusses the somewhat uncomfortable truth that our faith depends on others as much as theirs depends on us.     Scriptures: James 5:12-20, 1:26, 2:14, 1:16-18 Matthew 9:2-7 […]

In the last episode of our Disagreeing to Agree Series, Barry returns to the issues of economics, race, sexuality and gender, and abortion, and points out the common ground from which we can begin to build our bridges.     Scriptures: Joshua 7 Joshua 8:30-35  

In the second part of our Disagreeing to Agree Series, Barry walks us through a prayer of Daniel to remind us that historically, biblically, and theologically there is space for us to know our moral condition both as individuals and bound up in a community. One doesn’t have to rule out the other and we […]

Barry talks about how it is possible that advocates on opposite sides of issues like SOGI, race, economics, and abortion have enough common ground that they could build bridges to peace, rather than burn them down.     Books: Science and Religion, Ian Barber America: Religions and Religion, Catherine Albanese

There are times we fight tooth and nail to fix a problem, when in fact, we are only making a dent in the symptom. Barry offers a few examples of this complexity and ways to think more deeply about it.     Scriptures: 1 Kings 22 Book: Plato’s Republic, Book VI

Barry walks us through Psalm 18, dodging earthquakes, volcanoes, thunderstorms to watch God deliver us and bring us into a broad, safe place—a place of humility and gratitude.     Scriptures: Psalm 18 2 Samuel 22:1ff