Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity

Explore the life of Jesus as it's represented in the modern film series, The Chosen. Join Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins and the exuberant Gabrielle Roes along with host Dale McConkey as we discuss the merits of this cinematic blockbuster within the Christian community. We peel back the layers of film and television portrayals of Jesus to reveal how movies like The Chosen influence our faith and understanding of the scriptures. We also delve into the series' integration of Jewish customs, the artistic balance between imagination and scripture, and the emotional resonance these stories have with audiences today. And join us as we play "Dale Got It Right or Dale Got It Wrong?" See if Gabrielle and Jon agree with these statements: The ChosenThe Chosen.The ChosenThe ChosenThe ChosenLeft BehindGrab some popcorn and join the potluck! (Mixing metaphors much?) Warning: Spoilers throughout the episode. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

As Church Potluck makes its return from an extended break, we're setting the table to feast on a diversity of Christian experiences and insights. Our latest episode serves up an intimate look at the complex and controversial intersection of faith and transgender identity. We are joined by two transgender clergy members, Rev. Kimble Sorrells and Rev. Andi Woodworth, who each share their personal and spiritual journeys with us. We are also joined by students from my (Dale's) class on the sociology of sex, gender, and sexuality, with several of them asking questions. Regardless of where you fall on the theological spectrum, we hope you find the podcast informative. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Weeeee'rrre Baaaack!!! After an extended hiatus, Church Potluck has returned! In this episode (recorded a few months ago), brace yourself for a journey through the ethical labyrinth of modern science with Dr. Michael Bailey and Dr. Michael Papazian as our guides, discussing Christian and philosophical perspectives on the latest biotechnological marvel: human embryos created with neither sperm nor eggs. Our conversation probes the ethical minefields of new reproductive technology and its threat to philosophical liberalism. We also address the Catholic Church's teachings on the sanctity of sexual intimacy and procreation and reflect on how the separation of sex from procreation has led to a cascade of societal shifts. And of course, we toss in a few games and lots of laughs! Join us in this thought-provoking episode that is as rich and varied as a Church Potluck, and prepare to engage with questions that will stir your soul and nourish your mind. Note: We've marked this episode "explicit" only because of our discussions on sexuality, which include a few colorful descriptions! The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

It's the long-awaited Oppenheimer episode! We explore the man, the myth, the movie: J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb." Our esteemed guests are Drs. Todd Timberlake (physics), Kirsten Taylor (international relations, and Clint Peters (literature and film). This episode offers an engaging blend of history, science, and ethics as we scrutinize Oppenheimer's moral dilemmas and understand his legacy as portrayed in the recent film. We play the game "Oppenheimer or Stoppenheimer?" We explore the ethics of the atomic bomb and modern warfare. We discuss the United Methodist theological position on warfare. And in our "Leftovers" segment, we allow Clint to take a deep dive into his insights on Christopher Nolan's production of the Oppenheimer film. It is a fun and insightful episode, so please join us at the table, come and get it, and dig in! The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Crusades = Bad. It's that simple, isn't it? Join us for a deep dive as we explore the Crusades from multiple angles from three historians. First, Larry Marvin explores how the Crusades were not primarily an attempt to convert Muslims. Next, Kelsey Rice discusses the Crusades from the vantage point of medieval Muslims. Finally, Christy Snider discusses the ways that Crusade rhetoric is used in more recent history, especially in the wake of 9/11. Later in the podcast during our "Leftovers" segment, we discuss the motivations behind those embarking on the Crusades, and we also discuss the motivations of modern-day historians. There's a lot of meat at this church potluck, so put on your thinking caps* and get ready to dig in! *Feel free to disregard the custom of removing one's hat when at the dining table. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Is America losing its religion? Statistics indicate yes, with a rapid decrease in church affiliation and a marked increase in people who don't identify with organized religion. This episode of Church Potluck features Curt Hersey (Communication), Michael Bailey (political science), and Michael Papazian (philosophy), who each help us explore the fall of religiosity, the rise of non-affiliation, and the evolution of religious identities. Some topics we address in this episode: Join us for some food for thought and something to chew on! The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Brace yourselves for a chilling journey as we traverse the shadowy realms of horror and Christianity in the latest season of Church Potluck. Picture this: you're plunged into a world where spine-tingling tension meets a quest for spiritual insight. Sounds like a thrilling ride, right? Buckle up as Clint Peters (creative writing), Curt Hersey (communication), Mike Bailey (political science), and Dale McConkey (sociology), serve up a tantalizing platter of frightful conversations and Christian Curiosity. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through the eerie world of horror films, from the controversy they stir up to their undeniable magnetism. We unravel the Freudian theory of repression in horror, the medical horrors in The Exorcist, and the origin story of legendary director Wes Craven. On this ride, horror isn't just about jump scares and blood-curdling screams; it's an exploration of fear, the unknown, and our instinctive reactions. The journey doesn't end there. We turn the spotlights to the '80s, an era that saw music and horror mesh in a way that sparked both dread and fascination. We explore the Christian themes subtly woven into horror films. As we wrap up, we take a step back to appreciate the global horror landscape, understanding how different cultures might perceive and express fear. So, sit tight and let's plunge into the terrifying essence of horror. Are you ready for some goosebumps? (Description generated with AI, with some revisions.) The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Season 2 of Church Potluck has officially begun! To kick off the new season, we are exploring the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on religious faith. Join Christy Snider (history), Michael Papazian (philosophy), Michael Bailey (political science), and me (sociology) as we question the spiritual implications of AI in our lives. The title of this episode was generated by AI, and here is the unedited summary of the podcast, also generated by AI: Ever wondered about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and faith? Does the idea of machines with consciousness challenge your belief of what it means to be human? Brace yourself for an engaging conversation as we navigate this intriguing terrain on another episode of Church Potluck. With Dr Christy Snyder, Dr Michael Papasian, and Dr Michael Bailey as our esteemed guests, we wrestle with Alan Turing's concept of AI and question the true intelligence of a computer. As we delve deeper, the philosophical implications of AI, its potential to learn, develop a personality, and even to be seen as a person, will force you to re-evaluate your understanding of AI. Will AI ever have rights? Can it be part of the religious context? We even take a daring leap into the world of policy decisions and the potential biases of AI. Our discussion takes us from the very concept of AI and human consciousness to the role of AI in religion, public policy, and its potential impact on humanity. We discuss the ethical and moral implications of AI, the potential for AI to learn and develop its own personality, and even the possibility of AI having rights or being seen as a person. Through the lens of faith and religion, we attempt to uncover how AI is reshaping our notions of being human and our place in the world. A truly enlightening episode of Church Potluck awaits you. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Buddhism and Christianity. How do they differ? How are they similar? Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jeffrey Lidke (religious studies), shares his personal experiences as well as his academic explorations of Buddhism. Drs. Bailey (political science) and Papazian (philosophy) add their questions and insights regarding Jesus and Buddha. Also, find out how well Dr. Lidke performs on this week's gameshow: "Jesus, Buddha, or Mark Twain?" This episode also includes an extended "Leftovers" section (20 minutes). There, we continue the discussion of Buddhism and Christianity. But we also digress into a myriad of other topics, including the way Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic plays basketball with a passion and team-oriented style that embodies Buddhist principles. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Is it time for the Southern Baptist Convention to reevaluate its traditional views on women serving as pastors? In an eye-opening conversation, we tackle the question of whether these views reflect sound biblical theology or are simply remnants of outdated sexist ideology. Our guests are Southern Baptist preacher Rev. Dr. Stephen Drake along with Drs. Erin Moniz and Jon Huggins, both of whom are ordained in the Anglican Church of North America. We discuss the recent Southern Baptist meeting in New Orleans in which several churches were ejected from the SBC for having female pastors, and also additional restrictions were placed on women in pastoral roles (pending final approval next year). Comparing the Southern Baptist Convention's practices to those within the Anglican Church and other Christian traditions, we explore the evolving perspectives on gender roles in church leadership. Erin shares her experiences as a woman being called to ministry and pursuing her ordination. As we wrap up, we delve into the concepts of complementarianism, egalitarianism, and mutuality, examining their implications for gender roles within the church. Our guests share their perspectives on the roles of men and women in church leadership and the vital need for both voices to be represented. We also touch on the potential harm that can be caused unintentionally by certain messaging and recommend resources for further exploration. Join us for this enlightening and engaging conversation on the ever-evolving roles of women in church leadership. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

On this week's episode, we discuss the four-part documentary Shiny Happy People: Secrets of the Duggar Family (Amazon Prime, Freevee). We address sexual scandals, abuses of authority, gender roles, parenting styles, and more. Our guests are Drs. Christy Snider (history) and Michael Papazian (philosophy). Our conversation delves into the Duggar family's lifestyle, the controversial parenting methods they employ, and the underlying motivations of the Institute in Basic Life Principles. We explore the gender roles within the Duggar family and the cultural implications of purity culture and courtship. Lastly, we'll discuss the role of media in spreading the evangelical message and the challenges of engaging with religious pluralism in modern society. So grab a seat at our Church Potluck and join us for this fascinating and enlightening discussion! The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Is monasticism an outdated concept or can its principles still be of value in today's fast-paced world? We had a riveting discussion about monasticism and contemplative Christianity with our esteemed guests, Drs. Michael Papazian (philosophy), Larry Marvin (history), and Marshall Jenkins (counseling). Together, we explored various features of monastic lifestyles and the relevance of monasticism in the 21st century. After playing "Monk or Bunk?", our conversation delved into Michael Papazian's experiences of teaching a course on monasticism and Christian spirituality at Berry College, where students engage in contemplative practices such as Lectio Divina. We discussed the potential benefits of incorporating these principles into our modern lives. Join us for this enlightening and thought-provoking conversation on monasticism and contemplative Christianity. NEW FEATURE: Our guests often continue the conversation with fascinating additional insights after the formal recording is over. Church Potluck now plans to record those additional conversations and include them as unedited "leftovers" at the end of the podcast (thus the longer episode length). Shout-out to Christy Snider for the "Leftovers" moniker! The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Can faith and fitness converge to create stronger Christians? Join our esteemed guests Drs. Christy Snyder, Michael Bailey, and Jon Parker as we explore the fascinating concept of "Muscular Christianity" and its impact on church and society. We'll dive into the historical context of Muscular Christianity's emergence in mid-19th century England and its eventual spread to the United States. Learn about the fears of middle-class men becoming too effeminate during the Industrial Revolution, the feminization of the church, and the implications of muscular Christianity on gender roles. Don't miss this engaging discussion as we examine the tensions within muscular Christianity in contemporary society and the dangers of muscular, masculine Christianity when taken to its extremes. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Have you ever wondered what fuels the beliefs of Flat-Earth proponents? Join us in this episode as we sit down with Drs. Clint Peters, Todd Timberlake, and Mike Bailey to explore the intriguing world of Flat-Earth theories and their connections to religion and the Bible. We first dive into the history of the spherical Earth and the astronomical evidence that has shaped our understanding of our planet's shape for centuries. We then delve into the fascinating story of Patrick Burke, a hardcore Flat-Earther from Denton, Texas, known for his passionate albeit peculiar defenses of a host of conspiracy theories. Lastly, we discuss the power of acceptance and understanding in fostering meaningful dialogue between individuals with differing beliefs. We touch on the prevalence of conspiracy theories in our society and the importance of skepticism in the face of authority. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the complex and intricate world of Flat-Earth theories, beliefs, and their impact on the individuals who hold them. Clint Peter's essay that prompted this episode can be found here. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

The coronation of King Charles III prompts questions about the relationship between Church and State. How did Church and State interact in medieval times? How about now in the modern era? Does Church or State benefit most from their intermingling? (Hint: It's not the Church.) Join newcomer Dr. Larry Marvin (European history) and regular guest Dr. Michael Bailey (political science) as we explore these questions. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

At its foundation, the coronation of King Charles III will be an act of Christian worship. What makes it so? What religious meanings will be embedded in all of the pageantry and music? And what does a coronation tell us about the relationship between Church and State in Great Britain? In this episode of Church Potluck, we will ask these questions and more with Rev. Dr. (and Canadian) Jonathan Parker (biblical studies) and Dr. Paul Neal (music, choral activities). The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

This week's Church Potluck features three graduating seniors from Berry College: Darla Gore, Grace Segars, and SK Smith. Each discusses the ways that their faith was simultaneously challenged yet strengthened while at college. They also explore the ways that academics, student life, the chaplain's office, and special programs work to provide fertile soil for spiritual growth and inquiry. An engaging conversation loaded with youthful enthusiasm and optimism! The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

Jesus had a special relationship with those who are poor in this world. The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) encourages young adults to follow in Jesus' footsteps by living in an impoverished region in the United States and practicing the core values of spirituality, community, simple living, and social justice. In this episode, we talk to two members of the JVC: Gabriel Barreneche (college dean, humanities, arts, and social sciences) and Vanessa Balenger (college graduate, political science and religion & philosophy). They share the transformative JVC experiences that "ruin" them for life. Michael Bailey (political science) and Dale McConkey (sociology, pastor) serve as interviewers in this episode. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

The Church is called to be "one body and one Spirit," yet we have a long history of fracturing into separate traditions and denominations. What should we make of such divisions? Join Dr. Michael Papazian (philosophy), Jon Parker (biblical studies), and Dale McConkey (sociology) as we discuss the schisms in each of our respective Christian traditions. The first half of the episode focuses on the historical schisms of the early Church, while the latter half analyzes the recent schisms in Mainline Protestant denominations like the United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.

We conclude our trilogy of Easter episodes with a discussion of the Atonement. With Good Friday approaching, Christians prepare to commemorate Jesus saving us on the cross. But what is Jesus saving us from? And how does crucifixion on the cross actually save us? And who is being saved? And why are there so many opinions on these matters within Christianity? Join Dr. Matthew Lee (philosophy), Rev. Dr. Chaplain Jon Huggins (theology), and Dr. Michael Papazian (philosophy) as we consider the above questions and more. The views expressed on Church Potluck are solely those of the participants and do not represent any organization.