Episode 102: The Theology of The Next Five Years

Wherein the Pastors return from a long hiatus to dig into where the church might be in five years hence.  Along the way there’s talk of gorillas fighting polar bears, why it’s crazy that the next president will most likely be over 80, and J’s scheme to retire to Myrtle Beach with Tyler in ten years.

“I’m like someone who is from Toronto: I can speak French, but I can also pass as an American.”

Episode 101: The Theology of Winter Movies

Wherein J has the episode off as Tyler and Jimmy Dykstra walk through their top ten winter movies.  Along the way there’s some talk how Harrison Ford hates making movies, why themes of fellowship and belonging are so important during this time of year, and why Jimmy picked Christmas movies for his list even though he doesn’t like Christmas movies.

“Yes, life is hard and it’s not going to end up the way you want it to, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not good.”

Episode 100: The Theology of Christmas Movies

Wherein Them Pastors bring the festive spirit and talk Christmas movies, each selecting three gems to highlight, and what those movies can tell us about the season.  Along the way, there’s talk of the monarch of Christmas treats, Tyler annual tradition of buying J movies on iTunes, and an update on Whamageddon 2022.

“I wanted to be him, I wanted the beard the way he has…”

“I wanted to EAT HIM.”

Episode 99: The Theology of Spotify Wrapped

Wherein Them Pastors are joined by the Marvelous Ms. Christian Na to breakdown the annual musical diary that is Spotify Wrapped.  Along the way, they discuss giant spiders that will haunt your dreams, why Apple Music is worth getting just for Joni Mitchell and Beyoncé, and what one album dominated half of J’s top ten songs of the year.  There’s talk of the meaning behind the music we listen to, the story that we are trying to tell with the music that we use to underscore our lives, and what that music tells us about ourselves in return.

“I guess I’m a curious person, looking at this, and I’m someone who is a mess, but doesn’t mind it.  And that’s kinda the story I’m seeing here. ”

Episode 98: The Theology of Thanksgiving 2022

Wherein Them Pastors get downright thankful - AGAIN!!  J & Tyler continue the RTP tradition of each choosing ten things from culture that they are thankful for over the last 12 months.  Along the way, they bring up the amazing fact that J’s church has a roller rink in it, Tyler eats a sandwich, and everyone comes to terms with the fact that Ewan McGregor is the best.

“Yeah, we are bi-coastal (if you count the Allegheny River as one of the coasts).”

Episode 97: The Theology of Midnights (Taylor’s Version)

Wherein Them Pastors return with special guests Christine Wagner and Jimmy Dykstra to dig into the latest record by Taylor Swift, the “concept album” Midnights.  Along the way, they consider albums Taylor should cover, the song to teach twelve year olds how to swear, the song J wants to see covers of on YouTube, and consider the merits and detriments of one Mr. Jack Antonoff.

“She’s on the record the way LaCroix has actual flavor in it - it’s the essence of Lana Del Rey. ”

Episode 96: The Theology of The Heat Wave

Wherein Them Pastors are back at it to talk about the joys and perils of extreme weather, where one is pro cold weather and one is pro hot weather.  Along the way, there’s talk of unplowed roads, the armpit of humidity, and the politics of beard management.

“I like when someone can wear pants and a t-shirt, and another can wear a hoodie and shorts, and you don’t feel like either of them is crazy.”

Episode 95: The Theology of Catching Up

Wherein Them Pastors are back after a break to talk about the beauty of catching up.  They get into a conversation about the nature of relationships and the value of those that can be “picked up where we left off” and how we use (and abuse) relationships in the church.  Along the way, there’s a new opening set of questions, talk of why J & Tyler never see each other in person, the buzz word of deconstruction (and the value of doing it), and whether pastors can be friends with people in their congregations.

“…and a Jay-Z song was on.”

Episode 94: The Theology of The 2022 Oscars.

Wherein we are back with a jumbo sized episode with Jimmy Dykstra filling in for J as we discuss the 2022 Academy Awards.    

Along the way, there’s some talk about the slap (but only inasmuch as to say that it’s a very complicated issue that should start more conversation), a celebration of Our Lady of Gaga, and Jimmy is delightfully surprised by one of Tyler’s favorite movies of the year.

“E.T. is a little sloppy.”

Episode 93: The Theology of Wordle.

Wherein Them Pastors return to talk about that curious thing that everyone has been posting about on social media - Wordle.  

Along the way, there’s practically a minisode’s worth of talk about the Winter Olympics and an assignment for require listening to prepare for a future episode.

“They should do two person luge face to face because it’s already ridiculous enough.”