We all grew up in different parts of American Christianity, and we still keep thinking about how to take it seriously, even as we leave some beliefs behind. Join us our round-table discussion as we ravel out our faith in a complex world, pulling on one thread at a time, seeking Meaning at the end of it all.
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Welcome to the Whiskey Bench, where we pair cocktails with conversation. Whether we’re diving deep into a meaty subject like the history of fascism or why monetary policy drives inflation, or just bringing you the highlights of a crazy news week, we aim to look past the simple answers and discuss the complexity of our wild world. So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join us on the Whiskey Bench.
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"The only normal people you know are the ones you don't know very well." Stephen and Dixie Lee Henning prove that the more you get to K-N-O-W the normal people in your life, you'll discover that there really are N-O normal people in your life.
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Every company knows that if it doesn't innovate it dies, but at the moment of truth, very few are creating and developing an innovative culture. That's why every month we discover 'inusual' leaders who tell us how they do it and help us connect the dots between leadership and innovation.
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Where Do Gays Retire is a podcast where we help you in the LGBTQ+ community find a safe and affordable retirement destination. Join Mark Goldstein as he interviews others who live in gay-friendly places around the globe. Learn about the climate, cost of living, the LGBTQ + community, healthcare, crime and safety, and more.
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Asbury Park, New Jersey With Brent Winborn
1:16:54
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Brent grew up in the college town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and is the son of a teacher/school administrator (dad) and a successful real estate broker (mom). On a family trip to NYC when Brent was in grade school, he saw Ethel Merman in Hello, Dolly! This sparked a love of theater and eventually a move to Manhattan to pursue a career in musical th…
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Mark DeLancey, a man of many accomplishments, is the Executive Director of the Salisbury, Maryland, PFLAG chapter. At 61, he is a retired Marine, a prominent LGBTQ leader, a Triplet, a world record holder, an Artist, a Horror Film buff, a Theatre enthusiast, a part-time gardener, and a recovering Gen X/Boomer cusp baby. Mark's unique perspective on…
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Athens, Greece with Steve Gantzos and Ken Cook
1:40:33
1:40:33
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Summary Athens, Greece is a vibrant city with a rich history and modern amenities. It offers a mix of ancient ruins, world-class museums, delicious food, and lively nightlife. The city is known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community, with a gayborhood in the Ghazi neighborhood and a variety of gay-friendly establishments. Both expats and locals find it…
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Oloron Sainte-Marie, France with Mykle Flatley
1:17:57
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Mykle Flatley and his spouse Doug moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Oloron Sainte-Marie, France in 2021. They chose Oloron Saint-Marie because of its climate, affordability, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Spain. Michael, who is a dual Irish and American citizen, obtained Irish citizenship 20 years ago, which made moving to France easier. The …
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with Nancy Schneider
1:02:22
1:02:22
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Summary Nancy Schneider, a Philadelphia retiree shares her experience of retiring in the city. Philadelphia is located on the East Coast of Pennsylvania, with easy access to New York City, Washington DC, and the Jersey coast. The city has a temperate climate and offers a variety of quick getaways, including New York, the Jersey Shore, and nearby ga…
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Stephen says "there are a lot of god shaped ghosts in my attic." Josh takes the idea and runs with it, saying that "we will always be haunted by the Holy Ghost, but it is up to us whether it's like Casper the friendly ghost or like a poltergeist." Mentioned in the episode: Lofi Girl iOS Mental Health Check-In Feature Beedle The Bardcore Support us:…
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Renato is a Bolivian entrepreneur who currently resides in Madrid. He has a passion for languages and has found a way to make money from it. In addition to being multilingual, he also has a fondness for the arts, particularly pottery and music. He played in the orchestra of his city in Bolivia and Spain for approximately 5 years. Renato was born in…
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177. Jesus: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
46:00
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Thank you for your supreme patience while we took an unscheduled break for a couple months! We're back with a conversation about the historical Jesus! Specifically, we're avoiding talking about "the Christ," instead focusing on the ideas of Jesus' humanity. Speculations include: as a devout Jewish man, he was likely married; he was likely born in N…
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands with Jeremy Bierbach
1:31:33
1:31:33
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Frontiers of Equality in the Development of EU and US Citizenship Author: Dr Jeremy B. Bierbach Jeremy Bierbach (1975) is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in linguistics, Jeremy worked as an IT specialist for several years. In 2001, Jeremy emigr…
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#84 Ranch Water + Squatters, Spending Bills, Cannibalism, and Inner Monologues
1:35:57
1:35:57
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Join the Whiskey Bench as Kat and Stephen discuss squatter rights, spending packages, cannibalism, and inner monologues. Ranch Water 3 oz. blanco tequila 1 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice (about 1 shot) Topo Chico, chilled Fresh lime wedge for garnish Add ice to your favorite glass, and pour in tequila and lime juice. Top of with Topo Chico, and garnish w…
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Malta, with Eric Tenin and Michael Salone
1:10:09
1:10:09
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Eric is French, born and raised in Paris where he lived and worked as a business journalist until Michael and he left for Malta. Michael is American by birth (born in Hollywood, Florida) and became French while living in Paris. An HR Executive for 2 very large conglomerates, Michael has moved around a lot for his companies and traveled the world. H…
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Albuquerque, New Mexico with Pamm Meyers
1:03:54
1:03:54
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pamm meyers pamm meyers is, storyteller, dynamic leader and advocate dedicated to fostering prosperity within the LGBTQIA community through business innovation and social advocacy. With a multifaceted background, pamm has become a trailblazer in various fields, leaving an indelible mark on New Mexico’s LGBTQIA and business communities. As CEO of Go…
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Rick retired on Dec 31 2023 with 35 years and 21 Emmy Awards under his belt as a producer, writer, and director. He began his work as a public service when he was elected as Dane County WI County Board Supervisor for which he will aim for reelection on 4/2/24. He is an advocate for the disenfranchised serving as a CASA volunteer in 3 states, as co-…
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***This episode includes discussion of nihilism, meaninglessness, and suicide. If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Please listen with care.*** Josh wonders if we ever escape nihilism. Stephen is ready to embrace the existential mea…
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Salt Lake City, Utah with Dwayne Atkinson
54:42
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Dwayne was born/raised in the northern Utah area (Ogden, north of SLC) and also spent time in southern California (Oxnard) He was educated in Utah through high school, and went to Weber State University, majoring in Architecture, but discontinued his education. Raised in the area's predominant religion (Latter Day Saints, Mormon) Served a church mi…
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"Meet Kurt Becker, a seasoned public health professional with a rich journey of dedication and impact. Originally from Ithaca, NY, Kurt earned dual degrees in broadcasting and developmental psychology from Tompkins Cortland Community College. After moving to Las Cruces, New Mexico, he finished courses at New Mexico State University and graduated fr…
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When does honest and earnest transparency tip into oversharing and misplaced attention seeking? (the podcasters ask, fully acknowledging what irony this invites...) What is gossip actually? How can information shared amongst a community be helpful for reinforcing good boundaries and expectations without tipping into harmful rumor-mongering? Mention…
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#83 Singapore Sling + Transgender Healthcare, Hate Speech Laws, and Migration
1:36:06
1:36:06
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Join the Whiskey Bench for a casual session of talking shop. Kat and Stephen riff about "new" information revealing some shady dealings surrounding transsexual "healthcare", a movement in the west seeking to undermine freedom of speech, migration, state of the union, and a handful of rants the round it off. Singapore Sling 1 ½ ounces gin ½ ounce ch…
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Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan With Kevin Putnam
1:01:06
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Kevin grew up in the Detroit area. He attended college at Wayne State University and acquired his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. He started working with McDonald’s Restaurants as a franchisee in 1988 as an hourly crew person and worked his up to Director of Operations and Managing Partner. He has a great life partner…
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Really though? When it's essentially the only human experience that is truly universal, that we all will die, why do we have such a bad relationship with it? Stephen wonders if the fear of death is something religion does to inspire fear to win converts. "Oh death, where is your sting?" Perhaps we got it all wrong and what we thought was a sting wa…
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Join the Whiskey Bench for its 2024 kickoff. After a hiatus of nearly 8 months, Kat and Stephen are back! This episode is all about talking shop, and catching up. Gin Blossom 2 oz gin half a lemon 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc 1/4 oz St. Germain Shake all ingredients and serve in your favorite glass garnished with a lemon peel. Remember, always drink respons…
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Chicago, Illinois With Marc Goldberg
1:08:32
1:08:32
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Marc Goldberg Dog Trainer and author Marc Goldberg had his first paying client while still in junior high school and printed his first business card in 1975 at the age of 17. Marc first competed in an American Kennel Club obedience ring at age 12 with his first dog, a Sheltie named Gus. They won High in Trial, beating out nearly 100 dogs and they w…
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173. Does It Matter Where Money Comes From?
36:21
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It's about time we check in on our thoughts on money, huh? A lot has changes since the teen episodes of our podcast and Josh is wondering "does it matter where money comes from?" Unsurprisingly, we talk about the implications of philanthropy, giving vs tithing mindset, the churches that are greasy and gross about money, and the ones who could be do…
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Las Cruces, New Mexico with Michael Stracener
1:26:47
1:26:47
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Dr. Michael Stracener is currently a Visiting Professor in social welfare policy at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He has 40-plus years’ experience as a clinical social worker and doctor of public health, retiring to Las Cruces in 2021 from Federal service with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Stracener is marrie…
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172. WTF Did Jesus Think The Church Would Be?!
33:57
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Why don't more people wonder about what Jesus himself thought the church would be? Would Jesus like what we've done with the place? Or would he think we completely missed the mark from what he had in mind when he told Peter "upon this rock I will build my church"? These questions and more as we grapple with the greek ecclesia and play a wild hypoth…
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National Capital Region - District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) with Jim Hansen
1:15:52
1:15:52
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Jim Hansen He was born in Pensacola, Florida in 1965 and raised in a military family. By the time he graduated from high school in 1983 in Newport News, Virginia, he had attended 9 different elementary and secondary schools. He can legitimately say he has lived in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, …
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Stephen has officially entered his atheist Philosophy Era (think Taylor Swift's Reputation Era with equal amounts of confidence with a dash of ennui-bordering-on-nihilism) and wants to play with the classic thought experiment presented by Blaise Pascal: the famous "wager." We discuss the misconceptions and misapplications as used by evangelical Chr…
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Ericeira, Portugal with Roxana Bellia
1:33:43
1:33:43
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Roxana Bellia Growing up in Buenos Aires in the 60s, the adventure and quest for new economic opportunities took my parents to the vibrant city of New York. This was amidst the tenuous and fragile government that was later to succumb to a dictatorship. Despite having grown up with a cosmopolitan mindset and bicultural orientation, California became…
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We at the pod are using the classic New Year energy to reevaluate priorities and goals and have come to a decision to dial back the pod to an every-other-week release schedule. We have additionally decided to retire our social media presence as @ravelpod. Stay subscribed and look forward to a new episode next week! Support us: Join our Patreon comm…
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We're starting the year off right by talking about the cRiNgE thrown around by Christians and atheists alike. What's at the root of the cringe response? Why do we hate it? What do we love to hate it? Mentioned in the episode: Matthew 18:15-20 Support us: Join our Patreon community and buy us a drink at patreon.com/ravelpod for as little as $3/mo! S…
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Refresh) with Herschel Weisfeld
1:45:04
1:45:04
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Herschel Alan Weisfeld was born March 14, 1961, in McAllen, Texas along the southern border just across the Rio Grande River from Reynosa, Mexico, and graduated from public school in 1979. While in high school he studied real estate and received his Texas Real Estate salesman’s license as soon as he turned 18 and his Real estate broker’s license at…
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Rob Bell: Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?
1:29:40
1:29:40
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ROB BELL pulls up a stool to the Ravel table! We're overjoyed to bring you one final audio offering in the year of our Lord, 2023, where Stephen and Emily get to spend a whole 90 minutes with the singular Robell (with one B) in the great living room in the sky. Stephen guides our time together as he deep dives into Rob's newest NOVEL entitled Where…
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Emily is feeling reflective this year about where we've had the comforts come and go from our lives. But Stephen is feeling silly and derails the episode almost immediately by insisting the LOTR quote Emily brought to share was actually from the blockbuster film masterpiece, The Chicken Run. But then, of course, we get back on track as we talk abou…
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La Barra, Uruguay with Elaine Zito and Cynthia Richards
1:36:14
1:36:14
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Elaine Zito was born in Chicago and raised in Elk Grove Village until her family moved to Southern California. She graduated from UCSD in San Diego and received her Political Science degree with an emphasis in Latin American Politics. During her tenure at UCSD, she had the opportunity to study in Mexico City. This is where she discovered her love f…
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We're doing some soul care today while Stephen struggles with what Josh affectionately coins as "the downward dog-ness of the soul." Experiencing a darkness and a weight on the soul, we discuss the feelings of being in exile and discuss Emily's life-giving definition of self care: creating a life that you do not want to escape. Mentioned in the epi…
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What has us coming back, again and again, to the Bible? Josh thinks it has something to do with the nature of the written word in general, that we bias writings as more "truthy" because they are written. We discuss how we encounter writing differently over time, even when the writing isn't changing. And we ponder what Christianity would look like i…
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El Pescadero, Mexico with Lew Gallo
1:18:50
1:18:50
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Born in Anaheim, California, Lew Gallo, and his family moved to the San Francisco area when he was nine years old. The move was not unfamiliar to Lew and his siblings. His parents were known to take Sunday drives. As it would get later in the day and no sign of his parents, Lew’s oldest sister would start to cry but Lew was filled with excitement. …
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Taking a suggestion from the voicemail box today, we consider the role of negative emotions in our lives and in our church and wonder why we're all so bent on stuffing them down and moving on. We discuss the embodiment of such emotions as what is actually called positive or negative, instead of the emotions themselves. As river water flowing throug…
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165. Complicit In Christian Colonization
1:00:26
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You'd think, with an American faith-based podcast releasing an episode so close to the holiday of Thanksgiving, that we'd enjoy a lighthearted meditation on what we're grateful for in our lives and the nature of gratitude in general... BUT NO! Instead, we dive headfirst into the harm perpetuated around the world by Eurocentric Christianity, wieldin…
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Uvita, Costa Rica with Joe Studer and Keith Foley
1:26:58
1:26:58
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Keith and Joe moved to Costa Rica after many years of living in Arizona. They have been together for 16 years. They both had a dream of living in Costa Rica and running a small hotel. 3 years ago, they finally made it come true, finding the perfect hotel in Uvita Costa Rica. They sold their home in Arizona and bought Nature’s Edge Hotel in March 20…
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What begins as an exercise in classifying religion ends in a deeply personal conversation about the impacts of eschatological theology. We adopt a comparative lens to view modern Christianity against its ancient expression, asking questions like "Is it a failed apocalyptic project?" and "As such, was it inevitable that it became a dominant-state re…
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We suppose it's about time we reflect and ask, "has this just been idle talk?" After all, it seems like everyone has a podcast these days! Are we guilty of the same old theobro energy that we find so problematic or are we part of a reclamation of normal people doing theology? We'll let you come to your own conclusions. Mentioned in the episode: Mat…
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Hilo, Hawaii with Richard Ostreicher and Bob Sleasman
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Richard Ostreicher was born in Plainview, New York, and began his professional career at the Yale School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre. He went on to be the first Managing Director of the Portland Stage Company, Maine’s first resident professional theatre. The early 80s HIV/AIDS crisis inspired him to partner with NYC-based pioneers in HIV/AI…
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Think of all the thoughts that haven't been thought. Or the writings that haven't been written. Where do they come from and how do they visit us in our minds? We take a voicemail today from a listener who is wondering what we mean when we say something is "inspired"? Does it necessarily have to be divine intervention? What is that creative spark th…
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If you have a moment, would you consider listening to our humble podcast? We know you have finite time and attention, but we'd be honored to welcome you at the table. Today, we peer curiously at the ticking clock of the universe and share our experiences of time, how we try to stop it, and how present actions can not only write futures but also rew…
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New Orleans, Louisiana with Jim Meadows and Joe Fay
1:28:01
1:28:01
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Jim Meadows, MSW, is the executive director of New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE). In addition to his work with NOAGE, he is the secretary for the LGBT Archives Project of Louisiana, and he serves on the board of directors for A Home Among Friends, which aims to provide affordable housing to low-income LGBT seniors in New Orleans. He i…
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We're really leaning into the spooky season and discussing the reality of ghosts! Contemplating the mysteries of space, time, and consciousness, we think maybe one day even science could reasonably explain ghostly experiences. On a spiritual level, we think maybe they are folks who refuse to move on, spirits in limbo with unfinished business. We, o…
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Like, seriously, could you tell us without listening to the episode first? It seems as though "gnosticism" is a Christian boogeyman term used to slander anyone thinking outside of orthodoxy! It's been used to denigrate other denominations, deconstruction, mysticism, other religions. Can we please define our terms?! And once we do so, can we spot it…
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Lambertville, NJ and New Hope PA with Mark McNease
1:12:03
1:12:03
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Mark McNease is the author of 13 novels, including the Kyle Callahan Mysteries, the Maggie Dahl Mysteries, the Marshall James Thrillers, and several stand-alone books. He has had six plays produced, the last one being at New Jersey Repertory Company. He is the founder and editor of LGBTSR.com, a website dedicated to LGBTQ people over 50 and our fri…
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158. Aliens And Exotheology (Ep39 Rebroadcast)
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STARTER PACK: We Clearly Disagree Have you ever wondered if life is somewhere out there among the stars? Maybe even looking back at us? How would your theology change? Emily brings us many questions about alien life and the impacts to our structures of belief. Mentioned in the episode: Josh's TikTok YHP to Consider Quakerism and Panentheism (God = …
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