In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, we’re joined by author and historian Amy Mantravadi to talk about her new novel, Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation. Amy shares the inspiration behind her richly detailed historical fiction, how the tumult and theology of the Reformation continue to echo in our modern world, and why fiction can be a powerful medium for engaging the past.

We also dive into her love for church history, and the unique path that led her from political science and international security to writing novels in Dayton, Ohio. Whether you're a Reformation nerd, a fiction fan, or just here for the witty banter, this one’s for you.

Check out Amy’s writing at amymantravadi.substack.com/  and learn more about Broken Bonds wherever books are sold.

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

In this special episode of Crackers & Grape Juice, Teer Hardy and Jason Micheli sit down with Bishop Will Willimon and Rev. Tony Robinson to celebrate the life, legacy, and theological firepower of The Rev. Fleming Rutledge. Together, they explore the depth and breadth of Rutledge’s influence on contemporary preaching and theological discourse.

From her theocentric preaching style to her razor-sharp use of language, Rutledge's sermons never flinch from the hard truths—sin, salvation, resurrection, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. The conversation traverses her Southern roots, her unapologetic embrace of proclamation over persuasion, and the way her preaching cuts through the noise of modern, therapeutic homiletics.

With a mix of personal stories, sharp wit, and deep reverence, Jason, Teer, Will, and Tony reflect on what makes Rutledge’s work so urgently necessary for the church today—and what it means to preach like it matters. Tune in for a spirited theological tribute to one of the great voices of our time.


Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Caleb Campbell joins the pod to discuss his experiences engaging with Christian Nationalists and the impact of this movement on his congregation and the broader Church. In his book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor, Caleb emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach to address the issue, highlighting the importance of connecting with individuals on a personal level and focusing on shared values. For Caleb, Christian Nationalism is not a problem for the church in the United States to solve, but rather is a mission field.

Links and Resources:

1. https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathan
2. https://substack.com/@disarmingleviathan
3. https://www.disarmingleviathan.com/

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

David Zahl joins the pod to talk about his new book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World. 

In The Big Relief, DZ spotlights grace as the most important, urgent, and radical contribution Christianity has to offer the world. DZ helps readers understand the beauty and depth of grace, outlining how it provides relief from the guilt, status anxiety, and accelerating demand that characterize so much of modern life. Drawing on the witness of Scripture and a range of contemporary examples, he unpacks the theology of grace in fresh and exciting terms, exploring its many fruits — such as freedom, play, surrender, humility, rest, surprise, and joy — in the process.

DZ invites us to embrace Christianity as a refuge rather than as a project, a beacon of hope instead of a vehicle of shame, and a harbor of refreshment in a worn-out world. Ultimately, he welcomes everyone to receive the gift of relief we so desperately need.

Links:

1. Mockingbird Ministries
2. Baker Publishing

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

In this conversation, David Moffitt discusses his insights on the Epistle to the Hebrews, emphasizing the significance of resurrection, sacrifice, and atonement in understanding Jesus' role as high priest. He explores the implications of these themes for contemporary theology, particularly in relation to the Passover and the nature of intercession. Moffitt also reflects on the influence of early church fathers and the narrative of liberation in Hebrews, providing a comprehensive view of how these elements interconnect in the Christian faith.

Takeaways

• David Moffitt emphasizes the importance of understanding the resurrection in the context of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
• The traditional views of sacrifice in preaching may not align with the biblical text.
• Moffitt's research highlights the significance of the ascension in understanding Jesus' role as high priest.
• The concept of 'It Is Finished' requires deeper theological exploration beyond the crucifixion.
• Atonement is not solely about Jesus' death but involves his ongoing intercession for humanity.
• The Passover narrative is crucial for understanding liberation from sin and death.
• Moffitt argues that the scapegoat imagery in Leviticus informs our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice.
• The early church fathers provide valuable insights into the interpretation of sacrifice and atonement.
• Hebrews presents a narrative of liberation that parallels Israel's journey from Egypt.
• Moffitt's work encourages a reevaluation of assumptions in contemporary biblical studies.

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, Teer checks in with Jason and Todd to reflect on their recent pilgrimage to Turkey (Asia Minor) with Brian Zahnd. They discuss the reasons for the pilgrimage, the historical and theological significance of Asia Minor as the birthplace of Christianity, and how these experiences deepened their faith. The conversation explores the rich history of early Christian sites, the importance of understanding the origins of Christian creeds, and the differences between Eastern and Western Christian traditions. They also share personal insights and observations, such as the absence of crucifixion imagery in Orthodox churches and the challenging terrain early Christians had to navigate. The discussion underscores the value of pilgrimages in connecting modern believers with the broader, ancient Christian community and the complexities of balancing religious and secular life.



Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

After an extended hiatus, Crackers and Grape Juice is back.

In this episode, Jason and Teer speak with Jordan Daniel Wood about his journey into the Christian tradition, particularly through the works of Maximus. They explore the implications of the incarnation, the nature of creation, and the goodness of God in relation to evil. The discussion also touches on the importance of time, perfection, and the legacy of the Church Fathers, as well as the challenges of teaching theology in a modern context.

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

Emily Hunter McGowin joins the pod to talk about her book, Christmas: The Season of Life and Light.

In this episode, Teer and Emily dive into the rich theological and biblical roots of the Christmas season, reflecting on the themes of God's initiative and intervention in human life. They explore the interplay of darkness and light, the call to repentance and preparation, and the enduring significance of Advent and the 12 days of Christmas. Be sure to listen through the end of the episode for a special ending where Teer switches out the 10 questions for a more festive ending. 

Be sure to check out Emily's forthcoming book, Households of FaithPracticing Family in the Kingdom of God.

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.

We talked with Adam Morton recently about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the culture war over the new biopic film, and how to think critically and charitably about figures of history. A friend from Mockingbird Ministries, Adam is the Teaching Associate in Christian Theology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

Adam's thoughts on the Bonhoeffer film which prompted our conversation:
Too many people write, speak, opine about the guy (now me included). There are too many bad reasons to take him up (needing to find a 'good German' in the disaster of the Third Reich, wanting martyr fairy dust for one's arguments, finding his still developing theology easy to cherry-pick for a range of positions) that easily overwhelm the good ones. Yes, he's intellectually interesting. That's not why you know his name.

Consider what would have happened if he'd survived the war - he likely becomes a significant figure in postwar German theology, as subject to suspicion as the rest of them. Aside from those of you who are actually into 20th century German theology in a big way, you'd never have heard of him.

All that makes me think that the overwhelming bulk of the power of Bonhoeffer as a name is not in his theology or in what little resistance he mustered, but in our psychological and spiritual need to confirm that if we ourselves were ever put in an untenable situation like that, we could come out virtuous and heroic. I guess I find that sort of self-soothing dangerous rather than inspiring. Well, it is inspiring, in a way - but not in a way that I'm confident comes from God.

All that is to take nothing away from the man, and what his life and work were. (It's also no shot at the people who've done good work on him.) But if it were up to me we'd impose a 25 year moratorium on the Bonhoeffer Industry, including its academic side, and once that's run its course we could check and see where we're at with the guy and what role we actually need him to play in our theological universes.

Show Notes
Summary:

The conversation delves into the complexities of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theology and legacy, particularly in light of recent cultural interpretations and the release of a new film about him. The speakers discuss Bonhoeffer's historical context, his theological development, and the implications of his martyrdom. They also explore how Bonhoeffer is often misinterpreted or oversimplified in modern discussions, especially in relation to contemporary culture wars. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of historical figures, particularly Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and how their legacies are interpreted and utilized within the church. They discuss the importance of understanding the multifaceted nature of these figures, the challenges of navigating cultural differences, and the nuances of patriotism in a global context. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful engagement with history and theology, encouraging listeners to approach these topics with care and depth.

Takeaways:

• Bonhoeffer's legacy is often oversimplified in modern discourse.
• Understanding Bonhoeffer requires a deep dive into German Lutheranism.
• His martyrdom leaves us with an incomplete theological picture.
• Cultural context is crucial for interpreting Bonhoeffer's actions.
• Bonhoeffer's resistance was complex and morally ambiguous.
• The use of Bonhoeffer in culture wars can distort his message.
• His writings reflect a developing theology that was cut short.
• Bonhoeffer's context was vastly different from American evangelicalism.
• The film about Bonhoeffer raises questions about historical accuracy.
• Engagement with Bonhoeffer's work should be nuanced and critical. No historical figure is pristine; they are complex and multifaceted.
• Bonhoeffer's legacy belongs to the church, not just his family.
• It's important to speak truthfully about historical figures without idealizing them.
• Understanding Bonhoeffer requires knowledge of his time and context.
• Cultural differences can shape our perceptions and experiences.
• Clergy should avoid censorship and engage thoughtfully with culture.
• Getting to know historical figures is a slow and nuanced process.
• Patriotism can be complicated, especially in post-war contexts.
• The church must be the ultimate arbiter of theological interpretations.
• Engagement with history requires time and careful consideration.

Friend of the podcast, Jennifer Powell McNutt, joined us recently to talk about her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today

Jennifer Powell McNutt (PhD, The University of St. Andrews) is the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies and professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College. She is an award-winning author, a fellow in the Royal Historical Society, and an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian tradition. McNutt serves as a parish associate at her church and regularly speaks at universities, seminaries, and churches across the country. She and her husband cofounded McNuttshell Ministries, which serves as a bridge between the academy and the church, and live with their three children in Winfield, Illinois.

About the book:
Mary Magdalene's life was transformed when she was healed by Christ and joined his ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem. The Gospels teach that she was also a witness at the cross and the first one sent by Christ to preach his resurrection. Yet her story is often confused, scandalized, and undervalued by the church.

In The Mary We Forgot, award-winning church historian and theologian Jennifer Powell McNutt unpacks Scripture and history to reveal the real Mary Magdalene: the first apostle of the good news and a model of discipleship for both men and women today.

McNutt also invites readers along on her journey through southern France, tracing the path remembered by some church traditions as where Mary Magdalene spread the gospel. Christians will learn from the disciple known as the "apostle to the apostles" how to embrace Jesus's calling to "go and tell" with faith and courage. They'll also be encouraged by the reminder that God calls ordinary, imperfect, and unexpected people to share the good news of Jesus Christ. The hope of remembering Mary Magdalene is ultimately to better know the one to whom she pointed, the risen Christ.Show Notes


Summary:
In this conversation, Jennifer Powell McNutt discusses her work on Mary Magdalene, exploring her significance in theology and church history. She highlights the misrepresentation of Mary throughout history, her role as an apostle, and the importance of recognizing women's contributions in the church. The discussion also delves into the nature of scripture, the complexities of biblical narratives, and the need for a more inclusive understanding of women's roles in ministry.Takeaways

• Mary Magdalene is a significant figure in all four gospels.
• The historical portrayal of Mary Magdalene has often conflated her with other women.
• Women reformers used Mary Magdalene to validate their ministry.
• The church has historically silenced women's voices.
• Mary Magdalene's role as an apostle is affirmed in both Eastern and Western traditions.
• The nature of scripture requires understanding its oral traditions and historical context.
• Mary Magdalene's story is often overshadowed by other biblical narratives.
• The Revised Common Lectionary often excludes important women from scripture.
• Encouraging young women to take on leadership roles is crucial for the church's future.
• Understanding the complexities of biblical characters can enrich our faith.

Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram, Facebook, and Substack.