Irenicast - A Progressive Christian Podcast

Parenting during deconstruction, nurturing the spiritual child and adolescent in our care and in our hearts -- Rev. Bonnie Rambob (from episodes #113 and #123) joins Allen and Jeff to delve into this much-requested topic. Drawing from Lisa Miller's research, other sources and their own experiences with parenting and ministry, Jeff, Allen and Bonnie discuss ideas about natural spirituality and the spirituality of children and adolescents.

Bonnie shares her insights from parenting her kids (now adults) through her and her spouse's (Raj Rambob from episodes #113 and #128) process of deconstruction, or as she calls it, spiritual metamorphosis. When it comes to parenting, hindsight is 20/20.

The conversation begins with definitions of spirituality and includes personal reflections on relating former fundamentalist expressions of spirituality and spiritual community to emerging spiritual understandings for the sake of our kids. Woven throughout the podcast is the latest research on helping kids develop their own spiritual cores which will help them get through life's challenges and make meaning out of life.

Irenicast listeners have asked for a conversation on spiritual parenting during deconstruction and beyond. With Allen's background as a youth pastor, Jeff's wisdom as a parent and youth minister and Bonnie's experience as a school teacher, children, youth and family minister, and a parent, this conversation is at least the beginning of a dive into navigating the complicated path of parenting as co-spiritual journeyers with our kids.

The episode ends with a Top Three segment in which each host's top three childhood fears are revealed. It gets deep fast.

Conversation on Parenting During Deconstruction (01:33)

Top 3 Childhood Fears Segment (49:48)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Parenting During Deconstruction

• Intersections Roundtable – A Community of EXvangelicals and UNfundies – 113 (Irenicast Episode)
• Poverty and Protest – With Guest Co-Host Bonnie Rambob – 123 (Irenicast Episode)
• The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving by Dr. Lisa Miller (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)

From Our Top 3 Segment (See what other Top 3s we done on episodes #078, #105 and #116)

• Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (also known as Todd's syndrome or dysmetropsia, a disorienting neuropsychological condition that affects perception)

THANK YOU

Thank you to Rev. Bonnie Rambob for joining us on another episode of Irenicast.

Bonnie began her working life as a credentialed elementary, middle school, high school teacher and school principal in various school settings in Maryland, Virginia and California. In her teaching career, she discovered her passion for the spirituality of children and youth. After raising two sons, Bonnie pursued her dream of tending to the spiritual well-being of children, youth and families by completing an MDiv at Pacific School of Religion.

Currently, she serves Parkside Community Church as Minister for Young Adults and Families. While serving at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, Bonnie co-founded Peace Village San Mateo, an interfaith peace education day camp for kids ages 7-13 as well as an interfaith leadership program for high school youth and college students. She has written spiritual curriculum for children, teens and families. She has presented workshops on topics such as: the Spirituality of Parenting, Race and Young Children and Media Literacy for Families, to name a few.

Relying on her training and experience as an educator, minister and parent along with her heart's desire for nurturing communities of loving relationships, Bonnie relishes the opportunity to provide support to families who are cultivating spirituality in their homes.

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California, resident chaplain at an area hospital, and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Halloween and heritage, ancestors and the thinning of the veil between worlds- Rev. Raj Rambob (From episode #113) joins Jeff and Allen to talk about all this and more in Irenicast's fourth Halloween special. In past Halloween episodes, they have discussed the supernatural, the devil and witches. This year they reflect on the holiday itself. They reflect on the larger historical development of the day and how it specifically changed for them in moving away from fundamentalist contexts.

The discussion takes them from childhood memories, how Halloween was approached in each of their fundamentalist spiritual development to what significance the holiday brings them today. Intertwined throughout the whole conversation is a concentration on heritage and ancestry.

Raj brings a particularly unique perspective to the conversation due to his Seventh Day Adventist background and Indian heritage. We've known for some time that Jeff comes from a Pentecostal background and Allen a more Baptist-like setting, so Raj's background is a welcome perspective in this conversation and the overall conversation Irenciast has been bringing for the last 4 years.

This episode ends with a Horror Movie Edition of Judging a Book by Its Cover. Each host brings to the table two different horror movie titles that the other hosts have to guess the plot synopsis of.

Conversation on Halloween and Heritage (01:40)

Judging a Book by Its Cover Segment (49:04)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Halloween and Heritage

• Intersections Roundtable – A Community of EXvangelicals and UNfundies – 113 (Raj Rambob first appeared on this episode of the podcast)
• Past Halloween Irenicast Episodes
• • Halloween and the Supernatural – Paranormal Proclivities – 034
  • The Evolution of Satan – Details in the Devil – 086
  • Are The Witch Hunts Behind Us? – Different Pot, Same Brew – 104
• Satan the Musician, or Choir Director (Here is an explanation on how many have come to this conclusion)
• Isaiah 14:12 NRSV - (Bible verse referring to 'Satan' as the morning star)
• Ellen Gould White (Seventh Day Adventist Founder)
• The origin of Halloween lies in Celtic Ireland (Article)
• Anti-Catholicism in the United States (Wiki)
• Second Vatican Council (aka Vatican II)

From Our Judging a Book by Its Cover Segment (Judging a Book by Its Cover has been played on episodes #007, #020, #074, #103, and #117)

• Q (1982 Film)
• Grabbers (2012 Film)
• The Cat o' Nine Tails (1971 Film)
• Cocoon (1985 Film)
• It Conquered the World (1956 Film)
• Black Mirror (Netflix Anthology Series)
• Freakdog (2008 Film)
• Basket Case (1982 Film)

THANK YOU

A big thanks to Rajeev Rambob for joinning us this week and sharing part of his spiritual journey!

Rajeev Rambob (Raj) is spouse, of 26 years, to Bonnie Rambob. Both Bonnie and Raj are ordained ministers in the United Church of Christ. They have two adult children who are intelligent, creative, hilarious and kind.

Raj has been a K-12 educator and principal. Raj transitioned from K-12 leadership to executive leadership in the nonprofit sector. Raj's non-profit experience is largely in homelessness. Currently Raj is Executive Director of Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA). ATCAA is a multi-service, anti-poverty, agency that serves two counties.

Raj loves thoughtful and irreverent conversation over food and drink with family and trusted friends. You can follow Raj at...

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California, resident chaplain at an area hospital, and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

How and why are the Enneagram and Progressive Christianity having their moment? Pastor Casey Tinnin joins Jeff and Allen for a discussion about personality typing, self-knowledge, emotional intelligence, relationship styles, and more as we dive deep into "heart-centered" types and the Enneagram in general.

Pastor Casey Tinnin, in addition to being an Enneagram guru, is the pastor of Loomis Basin Congregational Church in Loomis California and one of the co-creators of Intersections which is a support group that meets once a month to deconstruct their evangelical past. Casey also created a non-religious LGBT teen group, The Landing Spot, that meets once a month. Casey is passionate about being an example of progressive Christianity in the wake of conservative evangelicalism. "My role as pastor is to empower people to take on the task of following Jesus; to be the hands, feet, and voice of God in the world."

Also in this episode, Jeff and Allen get personal with Casey in regard to their own numbers and wings. Also find out what numbers and wings mean within the Enneagram framework.

Although many within the Progressive Christianity framework seem to be very familiar with the Enneagram, this conversation might help shed some light as to why that may be.

Finally, for the segment, these three preachers dabble in another round of Jesus Juke. Casey, Jeff and Allen creating sermons out of nowhere using a dry erase erasers, a lens cap, and tardigrades as illustrations.

Conversation on the Enneagram and Progressive Christianity (02:18)

Jesus Juke Segment (51:57)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on the Enneagram and Progressive Christianity

• Intersections Roundtable – A Community of EXvangelicals and UNfundies – 113 (First Irenicast Episode with Pastor Casey Tinnin)
• Poverty and Protest – With Guest Co-Host Bonnie Rambob – 123 (Recent Episode with Guest Co-Host Bonnie Rambob, also from the Intersections Roundtable Episode)
• Myers–Briggs Type Indicator
• Enneagram Resources
• • Wagner Enneagram Personality Style Scales (Casey's Recommended Enneagram Test)
  • Jerry Wagner - Enneagram Spectrum of Personality Styles

• Attachment Theory
• Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
• Kathryn Grant is Casey's mentor when it comes to the Enneagram.
• Kurt Cobain (American singer, songwriter, and musician. Frontman for the band Nirvana)
• RuPaul Andre Charles (American drag queen, actor, model, singer, songwriter, television personality, and author)

From Our Jesus Juke Segment (The Jesus Juke Segment as also been done on episodes #003, #039, #075, #096, #104 and #123)

• Jesus or Jay-Z is a segment we've done on episodes #001, #013, #022, #060 and #119… We are looking to rename this segment however, see episode #119 for why
• Loving Haters In the Trump Era – With the Artist Formerly Known as Mona – 124 (Episode Casey was talking about with Sound Charades segment… Sound Charades has also been done on episodes #047, #064 and #124)
• Tardigrade (a phylum of water-dwelling, eight-legged, segmented micro-animals)

THANK YOU

A big thanks to Pastor Casey Tinnin. Casey is the pastor of Loomis Basin Congregational Church in Loomis California. He is one of the co-creators of Intersections which is a support group that meets once a month to deconstruct their evangelical past. Casey also created a non-religious LGBT teen group, The Landing Spot, that meets once a month. When Casey isn't preaching, protesting, or providing pastoral care he enjoys spending his time reading comic books, talking about theology, politics and sex, baking, cooking, kayaking and spending time with his partner Jose of six years and walking their dog Kole.

You can follow Casey (Rev_tinnin) on twitter or Revcasey Tinnin on Facebook. Or you can check out his blog The Queerly Faithful Pastor or Gutter Theology

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Is Christian celebrity culture a blessing? A Curse? Simply inevitable? From psychological needs, hagiographies, and cult of personalities to new structures of power, Jeff and Allen tackle the phenomena involved in celebrity and how these operate within Christian culture. This episode's segment pivots and addresses "The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel," a much-talked-about document sponsored by leaders within Allen's alma mater.

Conversation on Celebrity Christian Culture (01:26)

Current Events Segment - The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel (42:48)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Christian Celebrity Culture

• Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, PhD (Queer Activist, Latinx Scholar, Public Theologian
• "Progressive Christianity's cult of personality is not transformative leadership." (Tweet from @nathanlovestrees, quoting @irobyn)
• Hagiography (Wiki)
• Dorothy Day (American journalist, social activist, and Catholic convert)
• Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals by Shane Claiborne (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• The Halo Effect (Wiki)
• The Problem of Fame (School of Life YouTube Video)
• Nike "I Am Not a Role Model" commercial w/Charles Barkley - 1993 (YouTube Video)
• Neil deGrasse Tyson (American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator)
• Bill Nye (American science communicator, television presenter, and mechanical engineer)
• Howard George Hendricks (Longtime professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and speaker for Promise Keepers)
• Justin Bieber reportedly breaks with celebrity pastor — who doesn't sound happy about Hailey Baldwin engagement
• Hillsong Pastor Carl Lentz Wears Supreme And Is Friends With Justin Bieber (YouTube Video)
• Church Clarity
• Why Church Clarity Matters for "Hipster Churches" and Beyond: Q&A with Broderick Greer (Blog Post for Church Clarity)

From Our Segment Discussing the Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel

• The Statement on Social Justice & the Gospel
• Nashville Statement
• Hundreds of Christian Leaders Denounce the Nashville Statement in an Open Letter
• Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
• John MacArthur's Master's University Put on Probation by Accrediting Agency

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Jeff and Allen have another conversation with Jennifer Knapp about the many things she is currently working on. The discussion takes us through her recently finished theology degree from Vanderbilt University, her upcoming tour and finally one of her favorite cooking methods.

For those unfamiliar with Jennifer Knapp's work, she has been a recording artist since the late 1990s. She started her music as a CCM artist. After an extended hiatus and coming out as a lesbian Jennifer started the second half of her musical career outside CCM. She refers to her current musical trajectory as career 2.0.

In addition to being an accomplished singer and songwriter Jennifer is also the founder of a non-profit called Inside Out Faith. Inside Out Faith helps faith communities educate, affirm and foster support of LGBTQ persons and their allies.

In this episode Jennifer shares how her theological education is shaping her current work and gives some solid recommended reading for anyone looking to move forward in their religious exploration. Her recommendations include works from Karen Armstrong, Diarmaid MacCulloch and John Shelby Spong.

She also shares more about her upcoming tour in which she plays songs from her career 1.0 as a CCM artist. She talks about that the tour was at the request of her fans, many of whom have grown right alongside Jennifer and view many of her songs, old and new, as the soundtrack of their lives. Her upcoming Christmas music with Margaret Becker is also discussed.

Finally, we end on a lighter note as Jeff and Jennifer nerd out on the wonder that is cooking Sous Vide. They share go-to recipes practically turning the show into a foodie podcast.

To find out more about Jennifer Knapp and all her work visit her website at www.JenniferKnapp.com.

RELEVANT LINKS

From Another Conversation with Jennifer Knapp

• A Conversation with Jennifer Knapp – Isolation, Creativity & Career 2.0 – 102 (First Irenicast episode with Jennifer Knapp)
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Theologian)
• Reinhold Niebuhr (Theologian)
• Matthias Roberts (Host of the Queerology Podcast)
• Live from SpiritPride Vancouver – E56 (Queerology Podcast Episode)
• Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Methodology for Theological Reflection)
• A History of God by Karen Armstrong (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• The Reformation by Diarmaid Macculloch (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Bart Ehrman (Biblical Scholar & Author - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Jesus for the Non-Religious by John Shelby Spong (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• The Future of Faith by Harvey Cox (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Bonnie Raitt (Musician)
• The B-52's - Love Shack (Official Music Video)
• Tracy Chapman (Musician)
• Natalie Merchant (Musician)
• Tommy Boy Movie CLIP - JoJo the Idiot Circus Boy (YouTube Video)
• Chris Farley Interview with Paul McCartney (YouTube Video)
• Margaret Becker (Musician)
• Jennifer Knapp Concerts through Concert Window
• Sous-vide (Wiki)
• ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker (Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Inside Out Faith (Jennifer Knapp's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group)

CORRECTIONS

At 48:11 Jeff mentions Jennifer Knapp's online concert series called Second Thursdays, however Jeff mistakenly refers to them as Second Tuesdays.

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

How does loving haters work in the Trump era? A year and a half into Donald Trump's presidency, what do we see when we look across the aisle? Jeff and Allen welcome back Mel (The artist formerly known as Mona) to revisit episode 90, in which they resist cheap peace, struggle with the tension of loving those who vilify the vulnerable, and wonder aloud about the lack of practical vision for the beloved community. Inside you'll hear about Narcissism, conflict resolution, neuroscience research on political motivation, protest, the Christian Right, neoliberal shortcomings, and, to cap it all off, a round of Sound Charades.

This episode was inspired by Irenicast listener, Deena, who writes,

"Hi! I just listened to episode 90 and I'm curious if you plan on doing a second episode as a follow up to it. I know you were really trying to maintain an even keel and make room for all sides. I think for many of us, at this point in time, are struggling with the command to love our neighbors when our neighbors are vilifying vulnerable people in our society. How are we to heap love on a president that lies and looks out only for himself?"

Conversation on Loving Haters in the Trump Era (04:08)

Sound Charades Segment (53:07)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Loving Haters in the Trump Era

• Why Christian Hegemony is Bad News for Christianity – Mona Drops By For a Visit – 110 (Last Irenicast episode with Mel, aka the Artist Formerly Known as Mona)
• Atmosphere of Fear – Action, Motivation, Control – 090 (Irenicast episode we revisit in this episode)
• Gamergate controversy (Wiki)
• Study Predicts Political Beliefs With 83 Percent Accuracy (Article)
• NPD Narcissistic Personality Disorder (Wiki)
• Does Trump Suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder? (Article)
• The biblical story the Christian right uses to defend Trump (Article)
• New data shows US hate crimes continued to rise in 2017 (Article)

From Our Sound Charades Segment

• Word Generator

Keep in Touch With Mel

• Impasse Project - an interactive set of resources that helps groups practice skills of courageous dialogue.
• Yes Commander - Mel's Rock band

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Poverty and protest: let's fight poverty not the poor. That's a message Jeff, Allen, and Bonnie find so central to their faith, two of them joined MLK and Rev. Barber's Poor People's Campaign, risking arrest to speak it. In this episode, hear about the intersections between that story, the way communities of faith misconstrue the poor, whether or not some things are "earned" (including unearned income and healthcare), Capitalism and church, protest, the military industrial complex, ecological devastation, racism, prosperity gospel, the prophetic tradition, discipleship and more, followed by a hilarious round of three preachers "Jesus Juking."

Poverty and Protest Conversation (01:37)

Jesus Juke Segment (55:10)

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Poverty and Protest

• Intersections Roundtable – A Community of EXvangelicals and UNfundies – 113 (Irenicast episode with Bonnie)
• What are the presidential candidates saying about poverty and opportunity? (Article)
• Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
• Nextdoor (social network for your neighborhood)
• Social class in the United States (Wiki)
• Who are the working poor in America? (Article)
• Prosperity Theology (Wiki)
• Income Inequality Statistics (Article)
• Forty-two people hold the same wealth as half the world, Oxfam says (Article)
• Facebook stock drops roughly 20%, loses $120 billion in value after warning that revenue growth will take a hit (Article)
• William Barber II (Religious and Political Leader)
• Repairers of the Breach (Non-profit Organization)
• Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Writer)
• Trump Wants a Space Force, But Pentagon Has Different Idea (Article)
• Stephon Clark shooting: How police opened fire on an unarmed black man holding a cellphone (Article)
• The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Jubilee (biblical concept)

From Our Jesus Juke Segment

• Woman says why she believes Monster Energy drinks are from Satan (YouTube Video)
• Parkside Community Church (Bonnie's Church)
• Irenicast Facebook Post displaying Parkside Community Church nativity scene

CORRECTIONS

Bonnie wanted to add that there were people in her former context who did organize and worked hard to establish a homeless sheltering program in the Placerville area. Under the leadership of a wonderful pastor, the SDA Church in Camino offered their fellowship hall as a sheltering space. They continue to be faith-based social justice leaders in that community.

THANK YOU

Thank you to Bonnie Rambob for joining our conversation this week. Bonnie is the co-pastor at Parkside Community Church. Bonnie has also served the Congregational Church of San Mateo as Transitional Minister for Intergenerational Education. As a graduate of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, she offers expertise in multi-faith leadership, the spirituality of children, process theology and church organizational structure. Drawing from her fundamentalist Christian background, she co-leads several outreach ministries to those spiritual travelers who are migrating out of fundamentalist Christianity.

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

In revisiting the Holy Spirit, Jeff and Allen explore their Pentecostal and "cessationist" roots through deconstruction and beyond. Scriptures, liberation and process theology, ecology, pragmatism, panentheism, and more combine to inform their perspectives in this lively discussion. They also give an update about the state of the podcast and play a game in which they have to guess whether a name belongs to an X-treme sports brand or youth group.

Conversation on Revisiting the Holy Spirit (02:12)

State of Irenicast Survey Review (50:35)

Youth Group of Sports Brand Segment (55:59)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our listener survey is still up if you would like to provide Irenicast with your thoughts on our content. It can be found at Irenicast.com/survey

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation on Revisiting the Holy Spirit

• Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Guy P. Duffield and N.M. Van Cleave (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Charismatic Chaos by John MacArthur (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Benny Hinn (Televangelist & Faith Healer)
• Nicene Creed
• First Council of Nicaea
• Chalcedonian Creed
• The Forgotten God by Francis Chan (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• U2 - Mysterious Ways (YouTube Video)
• Mark Van Steenwyk (author and former guest of Irenicast)
• • Interview with Author Mark Van Steenwyk – 062 (Irenicast Episode)
  • Facebook Status Allen mentions
• Enuma Elish (Babylonian Creation Epic)
• Ruach (Hebrew Word for Spirit)
• Psalm 104 (NRSV)
• Wolfhart Pannenberg (German Theologian)
• Nephesh (Hebrew word for soul, life or creature)
• Second Temple Judaism (Wiki)
• Pneuma (Greek Word for Spirit)
• Parakletos (Greek word for Helper or Comforter)
• The Divine Dance by Richard Rohr (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• Howard Washington Thurman (American author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.)
• Liberation Theology
• Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (Theologian)
• Gigapixels of Andromeda [4K] (YouTube Video)
• Christian author: Trump is under attack from 'multidimensional Luciferian advanced beings' (Article)

From Our Segment

• Understanding Teenagers – Developing Your AdoleSENSE – 038 (Irenicast Episode)
• Heaven's Gate (Religious Group)
• The Extreme Team (2003 Film)

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California and co-founder of Irenicast. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. You can also listen to Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen Marshall O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@RevAllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

As some Evangelical churches shift toward progressive policies and theologies, do they do so in proximity to whiteness? What does it mean to be progressive or to inhabit progressive spaces? Guest Joey Torres discusses his doctoral research and contemplates the trajectory of American Evangelicalism.

Joey Torres is a doctoral student and teaching assistant in the Study of Religion at UC Davis. To learn more about his work you can follow him on Facebook or email him at [email protected].

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to Katelyn Deininger Thompson for being the winner of Jamie Wright's book The Very Worst Missionary.

Although the drawing is over you can still take our survey. It is so helpful to get a better grasp of where our listeners are coming from so we can continue to improve the show. You can fill out the survey at irenicast.com/survey

RELEVANT LINKS

From Our Conversation with Joey Torres on Evangelicals Proximity to Whiteness

• He has become a hashtag and a movement for change. But who was the real Stephon Clark? (Sacramento Bee Article)
• California Proposition 8 (2008) - A California ballot measure that made same sex marriage illegal, which was later overturned.

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is currently the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. Also check out Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen Marshall O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-founder of Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@AllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our progressive Christian conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Jamie Wright, author of The Very Worst Missionary, sits down with Jeff and Allen this week to discuss her new book. They talk about the failings of short term mission trips, the North American Missions Industrial Complex, being authentic, church ministry, and more.

In 2007 Jamie and her husband uprooted their family from the life they knew to the unknown land of Costa Rica to be missionaries. Despite what the rhetoric of the church had taught her, being a missionary was not all it was cracked up to be. In fact, she found missions to be a broken system that perhaps does more harm that good.

Jamie was ill prepared for the journey ahead of her, but was able to find her voice by taking up the moniker of The Very Worst Missionary. She started The Very Worst Missionary blog are started writing honestly about her difficulties being on the mission field. Along the way speaking out against the false pretenses that led her to a broken system.

This year Jamie released her memoir (or whatever), recounting her life leading up to, and reflection on, her time in Costa Rica.

If you would like to find out more about Jamie Wright you can read her blog at TheVeryWorstMissionary.com, follow her on Twitter & Instagram, like her on Facebook and of course get a copy of her book The Very Worst Missionary!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

To enter into a drawing to get a free copy of her book please fill out our survey at Irenicast.com/survey. Once you've filled out the survey we will email you if you have won. The last day to enter the drawing will be Sunday, July 1, 2018.

RELEVANT LINKS FROM OUR CONVERSATION WITH JAMIE WRIGHT AUTHOR OF THE VERY WORST MISSIONARY

• The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• My DTR (define the relationship) with World Vision. (Jamie Wright Blog Post)
• Teens chase kidnapping suspect on bikes, save 5-year-old girl (Article)
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)
• 4 Awful Things Pastor Mark Driscoll Has Said Besides Calling Women "Penis Homes" (Article)

YOUR SUPPORT

Thank you for listening to Irenicast. If you appreciate the show please consider sharing your appreciation by rating, reviewing and/or subscribing to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or whatever platform you're listening on.

You can also help support the show financially by going to irenicast.com/amazon to do your Amazon shopping. This will cost you nothing, but Amazon will give a portion of the proceeds to the show.

IRENCAST HOSTS

Jeff Manildi | co-host and producer | [email protected]

Jeff is currently the Director of Discipleship at a United Methodist church on the central coast of California. In addition to getting his B.A. in Theology, he also received his ordination through the prestigious online organization of The Universal Life Church whose alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Jeff loves all things that tell a story: people, movies, tv, music, comics, etc.

You can follow Jeff (@JeffManildi) on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. Also check out Jeff's other podcast Divine Cinema.

Rev. Allen O'Brien | co-host | [email protected]

Allen is the pastor of a UCC church in Northern California and co-host of the Irenicast. He believes in the importance of education, peace, and ecology, throws things to his border collie Sonata, and writes for multiple platforms.

You can follow Allen (@AllenOB) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Good Reads. Also if you are in the Sacramento, CA area check out Allen's brick and mortar version of this podcast called Intersections.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION

Join our post-evangelical conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:

Read Us on our blog Irenicon

Email Us at [email protected]

Follow Us on Twitter and Google+

Like Us on Facebook

Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Google Play, Android, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart Radio, Spreaker and SoundCloud

Speak to Us on our Feedback Page and the Post Evangelical Facebook Group

See Us on Instagram

Support Us on Amazon

Love Us?

CREDITS

Intro and Outro music created by Mike Golin.

This post may contain affiliate links. An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com