Episode 92: The Theology of Taylor Swift

Wherein Them Pastors are joined by TWO GUESTS - Christine Wagner and Jimmy Dykstra - for the long requested deep dive into the music of Taylor Swift.  Each of them bring their top five Taylor songs and compile a masterwork of a Taylor playlist (available for good times now on Tyler’s Spotify)

Along the way, there’s some talk of why Hogwarts house is a better analytical tool than Myers-Briggs, the phantom guest of J’s sister Jackie (whom he stole his top five from), and Tyler’s admission that he is, shocking no one, a jerk.

“This was great.  This was very beautiful and also very weird at times, so that was fun.  I was glad to be a part of it.”

Episode 91: The Theology of TikTok

Wherein Them Pastors are joined once again by the inimitable Rev. Cliff Haddox (@RevNGeek on TikTok & all things social media) to discuss the time travel app that is TikTok.

Along the way, there’s some talk of why Jonah is a bible story that evolves as you do, the evolving nature of what the church can be, and how let the algorithm learn what who you are. 

“I came out all this way, I should at least see you burn all these people to the ground!”

Episode 90: The Theology of Making Things

Wherein Them Pastors are joined by the wonderful Rev. Cliff Haddox (@RevNGeek on TikTok & all things social media) to discuss the fine art of making things and how that helps us understand life, the universe, and everything a bit better.

Along the way, there is talk of Doctor Who scarves, saucy Myers-Briggs anecdotes, and the joy in screwing something up.  

“Well, I guess everyone’s getting Harry Potter wands for Christmas!”

Episode 89: The Theology of Ted Lasso

Wherein Them Pastors discuss all things pertaining to the first two seasons of Ted Lasso - a show of hope, forgiveness, and the power to believe. 

Along the way, there is talk of why someone would want to beat us up, why Scrubs was a great and terrible show, and the joy of a good Back to the Future reference.

“I can’t imagine ever being mad enough at someone to hit them - even if they hit me first.”

Episode 88: The Theology of Thanksgiving 2021

Wherein Them Pastors create their third annual Thanksgiving time capsule, giving thanks for all the things that they appreciated in the culture throughout the year that was 2021.  

Along the way, there is some talk of Thanksgiving All-Star food items and the best weekend after Thanksgiving foods, and the return of Whammageddon.

“I kind of like that you are taking notes through this, it feels like I’m in some sort of counseling session.”

Episode 87: The Theology of Burnout

Wherein Them Pastors are joined by the Rev. Rebecca DePoe to talk about the very real and present issue of pastor burnout.

Along the way, there is discussion of the unclear nature of what is required and expected of pastors - video and computer skills, administrative skills, interpretive and oratory skills.  They also have hope that the season of the pandemic can help us to let go of some of the bad habits that pastor and churches had fallen into but should let go of.

“TikTok is so trashy.”

”No it’s not.  It’s just cats and people dancing.”

Episode 86: The Theology of Why

Wherein Them Pastors talk the simple question of why things happen, doing a rather deep dive into the book of Job. 

Along the way, there is an episode of Heresy Corner (wherein the devil is robustly discussed), discussion on why even terrible NFL teams are better than great college teams, and some of the worst things you can say to someone who is suffering. 

“I called the hospital and said “I don’t have $5000,’ and they immediately said “how about $200?”.”

Episode 85: The Theology The Unknown

Wherein Them Pastors talk about the fear that comes from not knowing what’s going to happen.  There are tales  of COVID tests, tight rope walkers, and getting punched in the face.

Along the way, there is some deconstructing the phrase “close personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” why God’s love is like a Game Genie, and an episode of the podcast within the podcast - “Jay’s Hot Takes.”

“I’ve found as many birthday cakes as I have found monsters in my closet - which is exactly three.”

Episode 84: The Theology Going Up The Hill

Wherein Them Pastors tell tales of going outside to find God by going up hills.  There is peril, Rottweilers, hot dogs drinking out of hats, giant boulders, and the beauty of the unplanned experience.

Along the way, there is talk of the best burger between Pittsburgh and DC,  flying across the country to combat sadness, and the bike boom of the pandemic.

“Just getting on a bike and saying ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen’ is really fun.”

Episode 83: The Theology of The Best Laid Plans

Wherein Them Pastors return from a months long hiatus to talk about false starts, unintended paths, and how we can make the most of them.

Along the way, there is talk of what they’ve been up to - Tyler’s new found adoration of Taylor Swift, the tale of J’s job opportunity that never materialized, and the long awaited return of their beloved house elf, Bartleby.

“#StickItToScooter”