To continue their discussion of Christian Hope, Steve and Drew pause for a moment to provide a helpful and necessary lens through which to read the Bible's Apocalyptic Literature (Revelation and Daniel, for example). In our world of intriuge, scandal, and doubt, we often get caught in the trap of reading Biblical texts for more than what they're actually saying. By using tools that allow us to enter the world of the original authors, we can understand their meaning without scandal and by allowing us to give honor to what they're saying and from where and when they're saying it.

Last Things...Eschatology...Christian Hope. Many words, same ideas. Pastors Steve and Drew own their own traditions and show that they come from theological places that rarely speak or consider these ideas. However, they jump into the conversation because discussions and ideas of "last things" come up often in discussions of what it means to be a people of God. By starting at Genesis and weaving in some Revelation, they begin to explain how the Story of Scripture is really an interwoven masterpiece that begins and ends in essentially the same place...with Heaven and Earth completely interlocked. Take a listen!

Picking up where they left off last week with the warrior and gym teacher views of God, Steve and Drew this week look at two interrelated but wholly different other "popular" views of God: God the therapist and God the cosmic vending machine. These two have become broadly seen across the culture, in both the church and the broader society, which cause us to misunderstand and misdirect our thinking of God. While last week Steve and Drew saw the "mean God," this week they look at the "nice God." They hope these last two weeks get your wheels spinning and will launch you to reach out and join the conversation @ [email protected].

Steve and Drew address the misguided thinking that we sometimes have about God...that God is an evil, mean, bloodthirsty killer or God is an overly critical gym teacher for whom nothing is ever good enough. This is part I of two where our two resident theologeeks unpack, discuss, and redirect our often misfired views of God. Steve and Drew fully embrace the fact that many of these "missing the mark" viewpoints are generated by bad teaching of the church and today's episode will hopefully and helpfully reorient your thinking of the Divine.

Today's episode takes a bit of a detour from our standard format as Steve and Drew try their hand at roleplay acting. By channeling his former agnostic self, Drew explores very valid questions that folks around us have: Why do I HAVE TO go to church? Why are church people often not at all like the God they worship? And many others! If you've ever heard these questions (or maybe even asked them yourself) then you'll want to join in the conversation.

Remember: Questions and comments can be forwarded to [email protected]

Since the time of the Ascension of Jesus, the Church has been arguing with itself about which group of Christians is most right and who is teaching the correct way. There have been battles and feuds. There have been wars and separations. So, it leaves which us all wondering...which group is correct? Pastor Steve and Pastor Drew jump into this conversation, with stories from history and the present day, on Christ's vision for a united (not uniform) Christian communion.

NOTE: Ignore Pastor Drew's continual bad references to 1095 being the year of the schism. In his nerdy giddiness he messed up the date. The Great Schism happened in 1054; the Crusades began in 1095. OOPS!

While centuries of church history and people waaaay smarter than Steve and Drew have attempted to answer the question, "What does it mean for God to be three and yet one? To be one and yet 3" we are left with the grandest of grand mysteries. We find our metaphors and try to make sense out of something that isn't all that sensible. Tune in for another foray into the mist and trying to make sense of this entire thing.

The familiar and spooky story of Pentecost from the New Testament Book of Acts leaves many people wondering and confused at what this all means. By leaving the traditional thinking and interpretations of this moment, Steve and Drew venture off in a new direction to explore the understanding of what it actually means to receive the Holy Spirit. They look at the ancient, old, modern, and future implications of having the Spirit of God on the loose amongst God's people...working, teaching, loving, and leading. Tune in and don't be surprised if a WHOOOOSH of wind consumes you (*results not guaranteed*).

In this week's foray into the Christian world, Steve and Drew leave the Bible slighty to the side and try to explore and explain why there are so many festivals, celebrations, colors, and everything else associated with these in the life of the church. By the exploring the general notion of such festivals, looking to Biblical examples, and give a healthy dose of reminder that God is not impressed by our festivals, Steve and Drew weave their way through to provide you a users guide to understanding all that goes on in the church year.

40 days after the Resurrection of Jesus comes this story (told both at the end of Luke's Gospel and the beginning of Luke's Book of Acts) when Jesus is described as "going up into Heaven." Pastor Steve and Pastor Drew explore what this actually means (while always keeping in mind the cosmic impact of Christ's raising from the dead) and how it impacts our present and future. While not often understood what this all really means, Steve and Drew take their usual nerdy, humorous, and altogether serious stab at understanding this festival in the life and practice of the Church.