Relish: a Christian podcast

Join hosts Alex Zimmerman and Don Patterson for a lively Relish conversation that moves from friendly Bible-study banter into a serious exploration of how Christians should respond when a mosque is proposed in their town. With references to Sunday school dynamics, Bible translations (including The Message and original Greek), and real-life study-group questions, the episode blends humor and pastoral concern.

The main discussion centers on a recent controversy about a mosque being built and asks whether Islam—as presented in some public debates—is primarily a religion or a political system. The hosts weigh First Amendment freedoms against worries about political ideology and radicalization, share personal experiences with Muslim neighbors, and consider how Sharia law and cultural separatism might clash with American civic life.

Practical issues are raised as well: is it appropriate for farmers to sell animals for religious slaughter (halal or otherwise)? What do Scripture and tradition say about supplying animals used in worship to other faiths? The hosts reference Levitical thinking and Acts 10 and promise further research to clarify any biblical restrictions on commerce tied to religious rites.

Throughout the episode they emphasize discernment, prayer, and the role of conscience when legal options feel morally complicated. They discuss how Christians can be hospitable without compromising community safety, the difference between personal conviction and public policy, and the importance of seeking God’s guidance even when answers feel uncomfortable or unexpected.

Listeners can expect candid, at-times-provocative dialogue, a mix of pastoral wisdom and common-sense practicality, and follow-up plans: next episode will dig into conversations often framed as being "about the Jews," aiming to bring clarity and care to how we talk about different faith communities.

One episode. Three foundational questions.

What would happen if everyone in society were genuinely Christian? Does the Bible teach that communion literally becomes the body and blood of Christ? And is there good historical evidence that the Bible we read today accurately reflects the original writings?

Don, Grant, and Rowan examine these questions by comparing biblical texts, historical evidence, and competing Christian traditions. Along the way, they discuss John 6, transubstantiation, the Dead Sea Scrolls, New Testament manuscripts, and why textual reliability matters for everyday faith.

The episode concludes with a personal farewell as Rowan leaves for college and reflects on what nearly 150 episodes of RELISH have meant.

Chapters

Christians often agree on the gospel while disagreeing on difficult questions of ethics and church practice. Why?

In this episode of Relish, Rowan Miller, Don Patterson, and Grant Bender examine three major areas where Christians reach different conclusions from Scripture.

They discuss biblical care for the poor, the debate over just war and Christian pacifism, and Catholic and Mennonite views of baptism. Along the way they consider Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Christian involvement in public life, and several key biblical passages including the Good Samaritan, 1 Peter, 1 John, and John 3.

Rather than assuming easy answers, this conversation asks how Christians should interpret Scripture carefully and consistently when faithful believers disagree.

00:00:28 — What Does the Bible Say About Helping the Poor?

00:01:45 — Can Christians Ever Support Just War?

00:06:11 — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Hitler & Christian Responsibility

00:09:17 — Church, Government & Christian Nationalism

00:11:50 — Why Catholics Practice Infant Baptism

00:17:55 — Infant Baptism vs. Believer's Baptism

00:20:03 — Final Thoughts: Where Christians Still Disagree

How should Christians think about social justice? Why do Catholics pray to saints? What authority do the Pope and church tradition have? Why do Catholic and Protestant Bibles contain different books?

In this episode of Relish, Rowan Miller is joined by Pastor Don Patterson and theology student Grant Bender for a thoughtful discussion of several questions that regularly create confusion among Christians.

The conversation explores:

Whether you've wondered about Catholic beliefs or simply want a clearer understanding of biblical authority, this episode provides historical context and careful biblical discussion.

00:00:36 — Does the Bible Teach Social Justice? Christianity's Impact on Society

00:03:15 — Why Catholics Pray to Saints: Intercession Explained

00:08:17 — The Pope, Church Tradition & Biblical Authority

00:13:47 — Why Catholic Bibles Have More Books

00:17:47 — The Apocrypha, the Septuagint & the Biblical Canon

00:20:10 — Final Takeaways: Evaluating Doctrine Through Scripture

Many Christians have questions that aren't answered with a simple proof text.

Is disability always something to be healed? Why does Paul speak so highly of singleness? Are tattoos and piercings sinful? Is gambling simply entertainment, or does Scripture raise deeper concerns?

In this episode, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson work through these questions by looking carefully at biblical context rather than popular opinion. Beginning with a personal story involving clubfoot and healing, the conversation moves into Paul's teaching on singleness, the body as God's temple, Christian freedom, stewardship, and wisdom.

Whether you agree or disagree, this discussion is designed to help you think more carefully about what Scripture says—and what it doesn't.

00:00:33 Why God Allows Disability: Purpose, Pain & Hope

00:03:46 A Clubfoot Miracle That Changed Everything

00:06:24 Why Paul Recommended Singleness

00:11:34 Does the Bible Forbid Tattoos & Piercings?

00:18:10 Is Gambling a Sin? What Scripture Actually Says

Religion and politics are often treated as enemies—or merged together without much thought. But what does Scripture actually teach?

In this episode, Rowan Miller and Pastor Don Patterson discuss the biblical relationship between church and government, why the Anabaptists emerged during the Reformation, and what the Bible says about Lucifer, fallen angels, temptation, and human pride.

The goal isn't to win political arguments but to understand God's design for authority, freedom, and obedience through the lens of Scripture.

00:01:24 — Should Christians Be Involved in Politics?

00:04:59 — Church vs. Government: Where Is the Biblical Line?

00:05:42 — Why the Anabaptists Rejected State-Controlled Religion

00:10:11 — Did Lucifer Have Free Will?

00:12:56 — What Are Fallen Angels Doing Today?

00:15:08 — Pride, Temptation, and Satan's First Sin

00:16:46 — Why Humans Choose Their Own Way

00:18:13 — Final Thoughts: Authority, Freedom, and Obedience

This episode brings together three conversations that many Christians are trying to navigate today.

First, Rowan and Pastor Don discuss how to respond thoughtfully when someone says they don't believe in God, emphasizing questions, listening, and understanding the real reasons behind a person's doubts.

They then explore one of today's most debated cultural topics: Can Christians be patriotic? What is the difference between patriotism and Christian nationalism? What does Scripture teach about government, freedom, and our ultimate allegiance?

Finally, they explain the doctrine of the Trinity in straightforward language, showing why Christians believe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct Persons who are one God.

Whether you're wrestling with questions about politics, apologetics, or theology, this episode aims to replace confusion with biblical clarity.

Chapter Markers

00:00:09 – Opening Conversation & Listener Questions

Why would God harden Pharaoh's heart? How did the Roman Empire help spread Christianity? What separated the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots?

This episode explores several challenging biblical questions that all point toward one central truth: God often accomplishes His purposes through unexpected people, difficult circumstances, and even hostile governments.

If you've ever wrestled with God's sovereignty or wondered how historical events fit into the biblical story, this conversation is for you.

00:00:07 Why These Bible Questions Matter

00:01:21 Can You Really Be Thankful in Every Circumstance?

00:02:34 How Rome Helped Spread Christianity

00:06:54 Pharisees, Sadducees & Other Jewish Groups Explained

00:13:20 Why God Hardened Pharaoh's Heart

Why did God allow the famous bear attack in 2 Kings 2?

In this episode, Don and Rowan explore one of the Bible's most controversial stories and discuss how difficult passages should be interpreted. They also examine modern marriage trends, the biblical purpose of marriage, and the often-overlooked connection between atonement and reconciliation.

Whether you're wrestling with difficult Old Testament texts, questioning modern assumptions about marriage, or trying to understand forgiveness more deeply, this conversation offers practical and theological insight.

Topics:

00:00:04 Opening Banter 00:00:55 Prayer and Preaching Peace 00:02:13 Marriage Trends and Purpose 00:05:10 Biblical Family and Children 00:07:57 Marriage Mission and Glue 00:10:00 The Bald Prophet Story 00:15:22 Understanding Atonement 00:16:53 Making Things Right 00:18:59 Forgiven to Forgive

How should Christians treat sinners?

It's a simple question that often produces confusing answers.

In this episode, Rowan Miller talks with Pastor Don Patterson about Jesus' approach to sinful people, the biblical meaning of grace and mercy, and whether Christians sometimes confuse compassion with approval.

The conversation also explores the meaning of agape and shalom, lessons from Don's first sermon, and a practical discussion about vocation: are there occupations Christians should avoid?

Whether you're wrestling with theology, relationships, forgiveness, or everyday ethical decisions, this episode offers a practical and biblically grounded framework for thinking through difficult questions.