Roughing the Pastor

Episode 42: The Theology of Lost Keys

Wherein Them Pastors talk about the celebration of Epiphany (January 6), which is the official end of the Christmas season, and what it means to discover things that weren’t quite what you were looking for.  Along the way, there’s some recap of J’s horrible New Year’s Eve, why Pinterest and why Tik Tok are so addictive even if you don’t understand how they work, and the super creepy verse in a popular Christmas carol.  They also examine why Home Alone is great, and Home Alone 2 is not, despite them being essentially the same movie.

“Oh yeah… That’s my favorite holiday to not like.”

Episode 41: The Theology of Reboots

Wherein Them Pastors close out the year (and the decade) by talking all about starting over.  They talk about the times when reboots go wrong, and when reboots can be really helpful, and how repentance is simply a call to change our hearts and minds - which everyone can use.  Along the way, there is some New Year’s Eve traditions talk, Y2K panic, Spider-man reboots, and why the setting goals is important only if you make room for failing at them.

“I’m Barbara Walters, and this is 2020.’”

Episode 40: The Theology of The Incarnation

Wherein Them Pastors get down to the real reason for the season - God WITH us.  They unpack the idea of the incarnation, and the church’s tendency to leapfrog over that to get to the resurrection (and why we shouldn’t do that).  Along the way, there is a discourse about what makes a movie a Christmas movie, which Christmas songs are the best, J’s love of the mall (except during Christmas), and Tyler explains why your nativity set is wrong, ruining it forever.

“That’s their name - Q’Pewgoer.  It’s French Huegonot.’”

A SPECIAL (sort of) MINISODE FROM ROUGHING THE PASTOR

Wherein Them Pastors get together mere moments after J left the theater to discuss Star Wars, Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.

Tyler & J discuss whether or not they thought it was a fitting end to the Skywalker Saga, how ghost logic works, and what this movie might have to say to us in 2019.

SPOILERS ABOUND!

Episode 39: The Theology of Star Wars (Sequel Trilogy)

Wherein Them Pastors conclude their trilogy of trilogies by focusing on the 2/3rds of the Star Wars Sequel trilogy.

Along the way, they not only spoil the plots to The Force Awaken and The Last Jedi, but also a major plot point of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.  They also ruminate on the wonder that is the midnight movie, get into the weeds about the Denver International Airport, and why these sequel movies are all about boomers and millennials and the church.  Clearly.

“Is Kingdom of the Crystal Skull worse than the aggregate of the prequels?”

Episode 38b MINISODE: 

ADDENDUM TO The Theology of Star Wars (Prequel Trilogy)

Wherein Tyler (sans J) is joined by Rachel Jones to get an alternate take on the Prequels and to talk about how much better things are when there is a diversity of thought and voice within the community.

Episode 38: The Theology of Star Wars (Prequel Trilogy)

Wherein Them Pastors continue with part two of the “Trilogy of Trilogies” with a focus on the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy.  There is more anti-praise thrown on George Lucas, talk of Obi Wan’s fake beard, dumbfounded reactions to the racist characterizations prevalent in 1999 cinema, and surfing on tick cows.  There’s also talk of J & Tyler’s favorite non-Star Wars sci-fi properties, the concept of the “mystery box,” and the problematic nature of origin stories.

“How do you get a kid from “Oops!” to ultimate evil in the universe?  It’s not through emo romance or bad dreams that can be solved with Ambien.”

Episode 37: The Theology of Star Wars (Original Trilogy)

Wherein Them Pastors finally get to the long teased conversation on the original trilogy of Star Wars.  There is much talk of the right order to watch the Star Wars movies (and which ones to skip), the goodness of some of the animated Star Wars series, and why Disney+ is making the world a better place.  We also get a front row seat to Tyler’s TED Talk on why George Lucas is overrated and should not be allowed near any new Star Wars properties. 

“The Seventies were a different time, guys!”

Episode 36: The Theology of The Thanksgiving List

Wherein Them Pastors get downright thankful!  J & Tyler each choose ten things from culture that they are thankful for to put in the “Thanksgiving time capsule” (you know, that old tradition…).  Along the way, they break down their favorite non-Trinity bible characters, parse out when it’s okay to listen to Christmas music, and perhaps even talk a little about Thanksgiving food.

“GROW UP, CHRISTIANS!  Jeez…”

Episode 35: The Theology of Theater

Wherein Them Pastors welcome their very special guest, Isabel Johnson and opine on the many virtues of live theater.  Along the way, they ponder the need for Starbucks coffee to be too darn hot, whether or not they would want to end their time on earth as birds, and why Gryffindors and Slytherins are misunderstood.  They then settle in to why theater is great, no matter whether you are on the stage, in the crew, or in the pit. 

“Shout out to all our Cornell listeners!”