In this conversation, Mark Edwards discusses the concept of prison as a sacrament of freedom. He highlights the global problem of mass incarceration and the need for prison abolition. Edwards explores the theology of Karl Barth and his prison sermons, which offer a unique perspective on the nature of prison. He also delves into the definition of sa…

1 Samuel 17.32-49, Psalm 9.9-20, 2 Corinthians 6.1-13, Mark 4.35-41; What can Bikini Kill teach us about the Gospel? How powerful is our praise? Why does Jesus sleep through the storm? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Alan Combs. Alan is the lead pastor of First UMC in Salem, VA. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Do…

1 Samuel 15.34-16.13, Psalm 20, 2 Corinthians 5.6-17, Mark 4.26-34; How does God make choices? Where should we place our pride? What can Aziz Ansari teach us about judgment and grace? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Drew Colby. Drew is the lead pastor of Grace UMC in Manassas, VA. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - …

By Crackers and Grape Juice

Teer and Jason sit down with Rolf Jacobson and Ruben Rosario Rodriguez to reflect on the life and work of Jürgen Moltmann. Moltmann was a German Reformed theologian who was Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the University of Tübingen and was known for his books such as The Theology of Hope, The Crucified God, God in Creation, and other c…

1 Samuel 8.4-20, Psalm 138, 2 Corinthians 4.13-5.1, Mark 3.20-35; What does love look like? What happens to us when we praise God? How can we properly speak of suffering in the church? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Drew Colby. Drew is the lead pastor of Grace UMC in Manassas, VA. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. -…

Will Willimon’s chicken sitter, Slice Penny is a rising third year student at Duke Divinity School and soon-to-be-husband. A recovering drug and alcohol addict, Slice served four years for drug trafficking at a maximum security prison in Florida. Looking back, he sees it’s all a part of God’s call upon his life.…

1 Samuel 3.1-10, Psalm 139.1-6, 13-18, 2 Corinthians 4.5-12, Mark 2.23-3.6; Is God's presence dangerous? How important are our names? Is Scripture clear? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guests Jason Micheli and Ken Sundet Jones. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Don't forget to head over to https://www.crackersandgrapeju…

By Crackers and Grape Juice

Tony Jones joins the podcast to discuss his new book, The God of Wild Places, and his experiences in the outdoors. The book is a memoir that explores themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the search for identity. Tony discusses the process of writing and recording the audiobook and the challenges of sharing personal stories. The conversation als…

Isaiah 6.1-8, Psalm 29, Romans 8.12-17, John 3.1-17; What is The Iowa Preachers Project? Should we be afraid of angels? Is Christianity materialistic? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guests Jason Micheli and Ken Sundet Jones. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Don't forget to head over to https://www.crackersandgrapejuice…

Acts 2.1-21, Psalm 104.24-34, 35b, Romans 8.22-27, John 15.26-27, 16.4b-15; Is Pentecost the birthday of the church? Why do we hope for things we do not see? Is God doing a new thing? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Teer Hardy. Teer is the pastor of Walker Chapel UMC in Arlington, VA. Hosted by Taylor Mertins…

Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood join the pod to discuss their new book, Baptizing America - How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. From the publisher: In the face of a rising threat to both church and democracy, Baptizing America provides an urgent examination and an enlightening critique exposing the dangerous undercurrents o…

Acts 1.15-17, 21-26, Psalm 1, 1 John 5.9-13, John 17.6-19; What's the difference between doing and being? What does it mean to be santicifed in the truth? What is happening in the United Methodist Church? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Teer Hardy. Teer is the pastor of Walker Chapel UMC in Arlington, VA. Hos…

Join the Homebrewed Christianity & Crackers and Grape Juice podcasts for a unique evening of candid theological discussions over a pint at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. ahead of the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. A dynamic trio of thought leaders will join us: Dr. Leah Robinson, Rev. Dr. Will Willimon, and Rev. Derrick Scott. T…

Psalm 118.1-2, 19-29, Mark 11.1-11; Should we wear costumes to church? Is there such a thing as too many Hosannas? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Dane Womack. Dane serves as the pastor at First UMC in Paragould, Arkansas. Hosted by Taylor MertinsBy Crackers and Grape Juice

Jeremiah 31.31-34, Psalm 51.1-12, Hebrews 5.5-10, John 12.20-33; Why does God make so many covenants? Is the church currently in exile? Is it okay to talk about judgment in worship? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Dane Womack. Dane serves as the pastor at First UMC in Paragould, Arkansas. Hosted by Taylor Mer…

Numbers 21.4-9, Psalm 107.1-3, 17-22, Ephesians 2.1-10, John 3.14-21; Is God subversive? How can we live in grace? Why are there so many snakes int he Bible? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guests Heather and Daniel Wray. Heather serves as the Director of Connect Ministries at Leesburg UMC in Leesburg, VA and Danie…

Exodus 20.1-17, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 1.18-25, John 2.13-22; What are the pros and cons of being a clergy couple? Does God get jealous? Why are we so afraid of the S word? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guests Heather and Daniel Wray. Heather serves as the Director of Connect Ministries at Leesburg UMC in Leesbu…

Genesis 17.1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22.23-31, Romans 4.13-25, Mark 8.31-38; Why is God so obsessed with covenants? What can Taize teach us about worship? Should we be hoping against hope? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Carsten Bryant. Hosted by Taylor MertinsBy Crackers and Grape Juice

Genesis 9.8-17, Psalm 25.1-10, 1 Peter 3.18-22, Mark 1.9-15; How do we become Christians? Should we remember our baptisms on the first Sunday of Lent? How do Jesus' temptations connect with our temptations? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guests Teer Hardy and Jason Micheli. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Don't forget…

Joel 2.1-2, 12-17, Psalm 51.1-17, 2 Corinthians 5.20b-6.10, Matthew 6.1-6, 16-21; Why do we observe Ash Wednesday? Do we need to remind God of God's mercy? Is it easier to pray in public or in private? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guests Teer Hardy and Jason Micheli. Hosted by Taylor Mertins. - Don't forget to h…

Teer caught up with the Godfather of the pod, Brian Zahnd to talk about his newest book The Wood Between the Worlds - A Poetic Theology of the Cross. Brian and Teer talk about why a theology of the cross is necessary to fully understand the Good News of the Gospel, along with what is lost when we become numb to the violence of Good Friday. The cros…

2 Kings 2.1-12, Psalm 50.1-6, 2 Corinthians 4.3-6, Mark 9.2-9; What can Marvel teach us about scripture? What does it look like to revitalize churches? Why are Moses and Elijah the figures who flank Jesus during the Transfiguration? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Jason Stanley. Jason serves as the co-ordinat…

Isaiah 40.21-31, Psalm 147.1-11, 20c, 1 Corinthians 9.16-23, Mark 1.29-39; Can we define the divine? What's the problem with preaching "lettuce" sermons? How wide is the Kingdom? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Alan Combs. Alan serves at First UMC in Salem, VA. Hosted by Taylor Mertins…

Here is a conversation Dr. Johanna Hartelius, and Jason shared with Dr. Chad Kim of St. Louis University on his wonderful book, The Way of Humility.By Crackers and Grape Juice

Deuteronomy 18.15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8.1-13, Mark 1.21-28; What can South Park teach us about the Gospel? What is prophetic preaching? What's the deal with questions about Jesus' authority? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Alan Combs. Alan serves at First UMC in Salem, VA. Hosted by Taylor Mertins…

Jonah 3.1-5, Psalm 62.5-12, 1 Corinthians 7.29-31, Mark 1.14-20; Should fish receive eulogies? Is there a difference between trusting and believing? Could Jesus get ordained in a church today? These questions and more on this episode of Strangely Warmed with guest Mikang Kim. Mikang serves at Epworth UMC on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Hosted by …

The kickstarter for Sarah's new book is live! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sarahhinlickywilson/seven-ways-of-looking-at-the-transfiguration Sarah discusses the significance of the Transfiguration and its importance in the church calendar. She explores the distinction between the transfigured Jesus and the risen Jesus, highlighting the uniqu…