Crackers and Grape Juice

In this episode, Brian Zand shares his transformative journey through faith, exploring the depths of theology and spirituality. He discusses his crisis of faith, the importance of community, and the need for a richer understanding of Christian tradition. Zand emphasizes the significance of translating complex theological concepts for everyday believers and reflects on the evolution of youth ministry within the church. His insights encourage both pastors and laity to engage deeply with their faith and seek a more authentic relationship with God.

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In this conversation, Jason Micheli caught up with Chris EW Green to discusses Chris’s new book, All Life Comes From Tenderness. This book is a collection of sermons and homilies that emphasize the importance of vulnerability in preaching, the essence of sermon preparation, and the relationship between God and humanity. He explores sacramental themes, the role of saints in spiritual growth, and the significance of noticing details in scripture. The discussion highlights the need for preachers to engage with tradition and imagination to nurture their congregations effectively.

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In this conversation, Holly Berkley-Fletcher discusses her experiences as a missionary kid and her insights into white evangelicalism. She explores the complexities of race, politics, and the narratives surrounding forgiveness and American exceptionalism within the evangelical community. Holly emphasizes the need for accountability in the missionary movement and reflects on the fears and challenges faced by evangelicals today. The discussion also touches on the differences between evangelical and mainline churches, highlighting the importance of communal repentance and understanding the historical context of these faith traditions.

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On this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, Teer and Jason sit down with Rabbi Joseph for an honest and deeply personal conversation about what it means to be Jewish in a time of global conflict. As headlines from Gaza continue to grieve and divide, Rabbi Joseph offers a perspective shaped by history, faith, and heartbreak—speaking candidly about the loneliness many Jews feel, the complexity of the moment, and the challenge of holding grief for all who suffer.

This is not an easy conversation. But it’s a necessary one. Together, we ask: What does it mean to tell the truth without resorting to partisanship? What does it look like to love our neighbors when the world tempts us toward sides? And how can Christians and Jews move toward one another in a time when it feels easier to retreat?

If you're looking for a place to start—not to solve, but to understand—this conversation is a step in that direction.

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In this special episode honoring the life and witness of Walter Brueggemann, we revisit a conversation that captures his prophetic brilliance and pastoral heart. Jason, Teer, and Taylor sit down with the legendary Old Testament theologian (whose books can be found on just about every pastor’s shelf) to talk about what it means to be a community of resistance, the radical challenge of sabbath, and his favorite word for describing the biblical encounter between David and Bathsheba. Brueggemann’s voice was bold, unsettling, and always grounded in the hope of God’s coming kingdom. We’re grateful to share this conversation again, as a tribute to a theologian who taught us to speak truthfully and live faithfully.

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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.

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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.


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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/

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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

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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.

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