Real Bible Rob: Affirming Christianity Podcast Real Bible Rob - Inclusive Christianity Discussions Real Bible Rob | PCUSA Ministry Insights

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In this episode, I sit down with Rev. Dawie De Koker, Senior Pastor at Aurora Community Church Nazarene, to explore what it means to embody affirming Christianity and the missional nature of the inclusive church. Drawing from his Wesleyan roots in predominantly Reformed cultures, we discuss how these theological traditions shape a modern Christian faith that embraces diversity and spiritual growth. As a PCUSA minister myself, I reflect on my personal connections to the Nazarene church and how these shared values influence our collective understanding of faith today. Join us as we delve...

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As veterans of the church culture wars, the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA ministry) has witnessed significant transformations over the past several decades. Despite some critics blaming the Church's 40% membership decline largely on its affirmation of LGBTQ people, this episode explores how deeper historic conservatism and slow adaptation are more accurate factors. We trace the ongoing journey of affirming Christianity and inclusive Christianity from 1998 to 2025, highlighting how modern Christian faith and innovative Bible interpretation play pivotal roles in the remaking of the church. The evolving PCUSA ministry serves as a vital window into the broader...

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In this heartfelt and affirming year-end homily, based on Titus 2:11-14 and Isaiah, we explore themes central to affirming Christianity and the inclusive nature of God's salvation. As a PCUSA ministry, this sermon emphasizes that the love and salvation offered through Jesus Christ is meant for everyone — not just a select few. The birth of Christ as Emanuel, "God with Us," highlights the inclusive spirit of modern Christian faith and spirituality that embraces all people. Reflecting on a challenging year, this message brings comfort, hope, and reassurance that "You are enough and it wi...

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In this episode, we dive into Mary’s central but often misunderstood role in Christianity, exploring the themes of affirming Christianity and inclusive faith perspectives. While traditional views focus on Mary's purity, both Catholic and Protestant interpretations often miss the deeper significance of her story. Struggling with the dogma of the Virgin Birth, we discuss its historicity, theological implications, and how it has affected women over time. This Christmas episode reveals how Mary's story symbolizes a transfer of power, highlighting Joseph's obedience that prioritizes mercy over law. We also explore how Mary’s desc...

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In this insightful episode, I welcome my longtime friend and mentor, Rev. Jeff Sievert, a respected leader within the PCUSA ministry known for his commitment to inclusive Christianity and affirming worship practices. Having been my pastor and guide for 25 years, Jeff shares his extensive experience designing beautiful, liturgical worship services that resonate deeply in modern Christian faith communities.

We discuss the ongoing evolution of worship, including the recent history of the worship wars and the rediscovery of liturgical traditions by younger generations seeking authentic and inclusive Christian experiences. Jeff offers valuable...

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In this episode, we explore the trajectory of the Emergent Church movement within modern Christian faith, examining its promises, challenges, and ongoing relevance. As an affirming Christianity and PCUSA ministry perspective, we discuss influential voices like Diana Butler Bass, Brian McLaren, and Phyllis Tickle, alongside the rise of patriarchal movements and the contrasting growth of inclusive Christian traditions such as the Eastern Orthodox and Episcopal churches. We reflect on the socio-political factors like Trumpism that have affected church dynamics and consider whether a truly inclusive and affirming emergent church can thrive in today's...

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All major religions explore the concept of ego death, or transcendence, with Buddhism being a clear example. Within the context of affirming Christianity and inclusive Christian theology, this idea is foundational and deeply present in the writings of Christian mystics over centuries. In this episode, we delve into the concept of kenosis—the self-emptying nature of Christ as described in Philippians 2:7—and how it serves as the core of modern Christian faith and spirituality. We examine how the cross symbolizes this ego death, a message often obscured by the legacy of triumphalism and impe...

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In this episode, we deeply explore the challenges of systematic theology and the problematic aspects of Calvinism. As an advocate for affirming Christianity and inclusive Christian faith, I share my skepticism about traditional theology, especially how it can sometimes be used to control rather than uplift believers. Drawing on influential works like Richard Rohr's "The Universal Christ" and D. Stephen Long's "The Sovereignty of God Debate," this conversation critiques rigid biblical interpretations and advocates for a theological approach grounded in loving grace rather than authoritarianism. Whether you're questioning classical theology or seeking a...

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Explore the importance of the temple in the biblical narrative and its impact on modern Christian faith in this episode of the Affirming Christianity Podcast. Discover how the temple's role shaped Judaism and how Jesus' prophetic words in Luke 21:5-8 reflect the spread of the Jesus movement beyond Jerusalem. As a Presbyterian USA minister committed to inclusive Christianity, we delve into how these themes challenge our views on orthodoxy, reform, and the spreading of the word. Join us for a thoughtful Bible interpretation that honors all voices within the faith and the ongoing...

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Affirming Christianity invites us to explore the true meaning of love through the lens of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This episode unpacks how Bible interpretation of this key passage reveals the heart of an inclusive Christian spirituality that often contrasts with exclusive or manipulative understandings of love. We discuss the impact of gaslighting within the church and why this passage is pivotal for modern Christian faith and the affirmation of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Join us as we dive deep into understanding why love, central to both Scripture and affirming Christianity, is often misunderstood—and how embracing it...

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Welcome to the Real Bible Rob podcast. I am delighted to welcome Charmella today. She speaks on TikTok about American history, religion, race, and politics in such an insightful way. What really caught my attention was her realism about our moment coupled with a sense of optimism. With all the terrifying changes we are going through, how can we see any of this change as good? With old and young alike pining for days that never were, can we grasp what's really happening. It's reckoning. Charmella said something that blew my mind, "The...

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I have been shocked at how Jesus has been used in recent years to cover hate. I recently said, "The Jesusing of Charlie Kirk is neither about Jesus nor Charlie Kirk." His assassination and raising him to be a martyr is completely genuine for some and completely cynical for most. And we know this by how Christian nationalists have latched on to him. The casual use of Christianity to hurt people who aren't Christians, or even Christians of a certain type is very old. But it is shocking to see how this old...

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The "gospel of peace" in Ephesians 6:15: How can this sit in the midst of descriptions of weapons and warfare? This is the paradox of Spiritual Warfare. It is not against flesh and blood but it is against rulers and principalities. It is ideas over brute force. I go in and out of love for various scriptures. I spent years fighting against the terrible use of Ephesians 6, especially to support slavery, patriarchy and Christian Nationalism which are inextricably linked. But whenever this happens and I am compelled to do a deep dive into the...

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The best antidote for a nightmare is to turn the lights on. When you screamed in the middle of the night, nothing was more comforting than mother coming in cradling you in her arms. We’ve been living with a 2400 year long nightmare of Satan and devils. It’s time to turn the lights on and dispel the myths that have propped up religious bullies for so long. Satan was a vague Hebrew word meaning Adversary but it didn’t take on a personality until it became The Satan in the Persian period and th...

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There's a common question among pastors: "What's the most unbiblical thing your congregation believes is biblical but isn't?" Some are quite funny, but I think the most harmful one is the Rapture. It is a theology developed by John Nelson Darby in 1833 based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the Greek word "harpazo." Modern dispensationalists (Darby's theology) claim harpazo proves the Rapture is true. I discuss the use of this word. I also discuss why Paul used the imagery of Jesus meeting people in the air in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. There is nothing that says this...

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Einstein famously said, "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."  This is a topic I am comfortable with. Why? Because I studied Thermodynamics and Randomness in college and I have been pondering it ever since. If you know how these work in biology and nature, then you quickly realize that all the arguments of "Creation Science" are nonsense. Rather than debating point by point, which is pointless with creationists who are driven by ideology and not science, I discuss the scientific method and the faithful use of scripture. Someday w...

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One way to tell how people approach religion is to express your admiration for another belief. I certainly admire Judaism, not just in the way of supersession like more Christians, but as a way of getting to know God. Over the years I have become much more aware of Islam and more recently Hinduism. But none of these impacted me like getting to know more about Buddhism, through great authors and discussion. I can confidently say that the Buddha saved my faith in Jesus. This may be offensive to you or at least...

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I'm excited to welcome Rev. Rebecca Craig to the Real Bible Rob podcast today! Rebecca is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, an Artist, and an Author. She has a terrific new book called "Through Her Eyes" telling the stories of women in the Bible in a creative new way. It gives a narrative of 26 different women from their perspective and then several insightful study questions for each. It's a fascinating approach to understanding their stories. 

Reference:
"Through Her Eyes: Biblical Women Speak" by Rebecca J. Craig, 2025. Duration: 00:54:18

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My New Testament professor Dr. Nijay Gupta has written much about Galatians and is endlessly fascinated by Paul's letter. I didn't exactly understand why this angry letter was so important. Like many Christians, I usually favored Ephesians and Philippians, maybe Timothy, but Galatians? Why? It is pivotal as an early window into the first major crisis in the early church in which Paul had to intervene: the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians. My friend Rev. Adina Meyer just finished a series of sermons on Galatians, so she is the perfect person to...

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Something’s seriously wrong with America and we all know it. What was the long path toward equality of men and women, of the races in civil rights, of religious people integrating progress into theology has faced ever-increasing headwinds. In many ways we can rejoice especially when we remember how women and minorities were treated in the 1960s and 1970s. I’ve spoken about the rise of the religious right during the late 70s and on into the Reagan era. Much of that was overt but they were operating on two levels and the...

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Let's talk about 17th century England. Why? Because so much about American Protestant beliefs and culture come from it. The King James Bible was a political stake in the ground. The Westminster Confession was an Act of Parliament during the English Civil War. It was a compromise between Anglicans and Presbyterians to oppose radical Puritans and Catholics. The 1689 Second London Confession legitimized the Baptists as a result of the Act of Toleration passed by Parliament as part of the Glorious Revolution. The creation of these documents was incredibly political. It harkens back to...

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Does God express emotions? This is a more central question than it seems. It’s a significant clue to how you see the sovereignty of God, whether God changes, and whether God is affected by prayer. If God shows the emotion of regret, does that mean God is weak? To illustrate these differences, I do a deep dive into two verses that feature the Hebrew word Neecham. The theological bias of Bible translations are revealed in what words are used for Neecham: repent, relent, regret, feel sorrow, grieve, have compassion or comfort. I re...

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Today I am excited to welcome Elle, who goes by @LiterallyTheBible on TikTok and YouTube. She is reading the Bible from cover to cover as a non-religious gal. Her approach to Bible reading chapter by chapter is so insightful and refreshing. I've been really impressed with her analysis, her questions, and her response to comments. I think it is a great example for how we can approach Bible reading. Now that she has made it through the 50 chapters of Genesis and now into Exodus, I will ask her about her impressions and about...

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I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Lynn Huber, Professor of Religious Studies at Elon University and an expert on the Book of Revelation. I have been following her on TikTok, and I was intrigued by her commentary about queer perspectives on Revelation. She brings a sense of excitement and love for the book, which many people approach with a sense of fear and retribution. I don't shy away from Revelation like many Presbyterians do, and I have preached several times about the many ways to interpret it. So, I was excited to hear...

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Christians love Replacement. Replacing Judaism with the New Covenant. Replacing the Jewish people as the Chosen people of God. Replacing Islam in the Holy Land during the Crusades. In America, replacing indigenous people with white Christian people. Replacing native religions around the world with missionaries. Lately, replacing the words of Jesus with nationalism and political tribalism. It has a long history, when the Roman Empire subsumed Christianity into the empire. Later, the Gospel of Jesus was replaced with theologies like Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory as a singular theology of Protestants. Hebrews 8:10-13 explicitly...

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People use the narrow gate metaphor that Jesus used in the Sermon on the Mount to feed their persecution complex and to exclude others. I frequently come across egregious misrepresentations of these passages. Often spoken with cult-like intentions, it is always meant to instill fear. Was this Jesus's intent? Was he using fear to encourage people to follow him instead of the religious leaders of his time? That was certainly part of it, but it also gave comfort to an oppressed people by offering them an alternative to the strict application of the...

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I am delighted to welcome Jeremy Steele to the podcast today. I love his content on TikTok so much. He reached out to creators with podcasts. I jumped at the chance to interview him, and he graciously agreed!

Church attendance statistics are notoriously difficult to decipher, but people latch onto the latest reports as signs of a turnaround or that their favorite segment is gaining new interest. Recently, Churchtrac showed an increase in Millennial attendance led by men. A slight uptick in fundamentalist evangelical churches engagement appears to be responsible for...

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How can you justify cruelty as a Christian? It has a very long tradition, from the Crusades to Slavery and Jim Crow to Mass Deportations today. These were all and are still perpetuated and justified by Bible believing Christians. This justification and hypocrisy is the main critique of Christianity. How can a religion that exhorts love and kindness be so unloving and unkind? Simple, just redefine what love and kindness are, and voila, you can justify anything. This is exactly what is happening with the current discussions about "Empathy is Sin." I have...

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The Church is in desperate need of Reform. Which direction should we go? Rediscovering doctrines of the past? Reforming our doctrines for a new era? There is a lot of disagreement about what is needed. I argue that we must do both.  

The motto of the Presbyterian Church USA is "Ecclesia Reformata Semper Reformanda" which is Latin for "The Church reformed, always reforming." Which has been quoted in different forms and cherished by Reformed Christians since the Dutch theologian Jodocus van Lodenstein wrote it in the 1670s. Swiss theologian Karl Barth r...

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Whenever you ask whether God changes or that God learns, It is usually met with a resounding "No!" But then you must ask, what is the point of prayer? When you look at scripture, it says explicitly many times that God changes. "But God knows everything" goes the reasoning. So most people have to do logical backflips to make omniscience work with free will and change. So did God make a giant mistake? Why does God keep making new agreements, Covenants with His people? There a several schools of thought on this and...

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For many Romans 8 is the essential chapter for understanding God’s purpose in the Gospel message. While I don’t think that was necessarily Paul’s purpose to be all-encompassing, it can be a great guide for us. N.T. Wright has said, that if he had only one chapter of the New Testament to take with him, it would be Romans 8. Unfortunately, it is also used for great harm. One commenter said that she rejects the “suffering kink” that many evangelicals lay on scripture. It’s part of a pattern in translations like the ESV...

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The book of Romans carries so much theological weight that it’s hard to see Paul’s reasoning and technique through it. Fortunately, there’s been a wealth of new scholarship and research on it that it’s freeing the text from its Lutheran and Calvinist shackles. You can spend a lifetime diving into details but I will focus on three areas that highlight the new research:  the contrast and purpose of Chapters 1&2 and why they must always be read together, Chapter 3 and atonement theory, and Chapters 12, 14, and 16 which hint at why Chapters 1-3 are pr...

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Today I have a special guest Maria Hearing. Maria is a dear friend, classmate, teacher, Hebrew reading partner, and leader. Maria has done deep research on the book of Esther, and she has written scholarly papers on the narrative and genres of the story. The story is foundational to the myth of the Jewish nation, but it also tells us so much about patriarchy and the strength of ancient women in unexpected ways. Is Esther a comedy or a horror story? Is the relationship of the King and Esther about romance or rape...

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Do you have an image of a traditional past that was better? Kids respected their parents. People had manners. They respected the law. Neighbors watched out for each other. Not like these wicked times, so the reasoning goes. It seems harkening to a mythical part is an innate part of being human. Since religious people strongly tend toward being traditionalists, this myth is especially true in Christianity. But it’s not true that times were better, just different, and it often hampers progress. I discuss the theory that the main division in ancient Is...

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Slavery drives Christian thought far more than you realize. It has never left us. Imagine for a moment being on a plantation as a child. Slavery requires the crushing of empathy. Much of what we’ve seen in the last 400 years in the west was the use of theology to excuse the massive brutality and hypocrisy of colonialism. Presbyterian history and the divergence of the PCUSA and PCA illustrates This messy history. So tangled, can we ever unwind it? Woke is an indicator. If you want to keep things separate, you label it an...

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Asking "What is the gospel?" is surprisingly controversial in some quarters. Most people believe the gospel is the radical love of God in the person, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But that’s not enough for many others. They insist that Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory defines the Gospel. This was not true for the majority of Christians for the majority of history, but it is vigorously defended, especially by Calvinist Christians. PSA is a Western Enlightenment concept that comes out of colonialist cultures. It’s so strongly ingrained that many people think it’s just...

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"If you know Jeremiah, you know the Old Testament" is something I like to say. Because it is the most political book of the Bible. It is the backdrop of King Josiah's huge political blunder in fighting against Pharaoh Neco in 2 Chronicles 35 that shows us why. King Josiah was the beginning of the distinctively Jewish state. The Deuteronomists come from this period, and everything we see from before the exile, Genesis through 2nd Kings, comes through the lens of them. I discuss the shifting of the Overton Window in Jeremiah's time and how...

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I said "Apologetics is Circular Reasoning" in a video last year. It garnered a lot of hate, cheers, and hundreds of thousands of views on Instagram. The response was fascinating because what should have been a philosophical argument turned into a test of faithfulness. Modern Apologetics, meaning the use of the scientific method to prove the existence and sovereignty of God is fallacious. Apologetics historically had a purpose, and when it is applied as a defense of one's beliefs as in the New Testament, it is perfectly reasonable, but today it is an...

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There is no more painful label for women than being called a Jezebel. It contains all the condemning, cursing, and slut shaming you can imagine. "Jezebel Spirit" is a frequently used racial slur in some churches. Jezebel was a foreign woman, likely forced into a royal marriage with a weak husband, which was bad enough. Still, she became the scapegoat for a whole nation; everything bad has been laid on her for millennia. Does she deserve it? Queen Vashti has a marginally better reputation, and her legacy didn't turn into a curse of...

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The answer is neither. Economics is all over the Bible, but modern labels have so much historical and cultural meaning that it is dishonest to label anyone in scripture as capitalist or socialist or communist. Instead, we must talk about commerce and the common good. The Bible has a lot to say about fair measures and honest business dealings. It condemns cheating and repression unequivocally. But it also has many passages about social structure and how things must be shared. The ancient practice of gleaning, the Jubilee year, charity to the poor, the...

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Many people, especially in America, are waking up to the fact that our freedom is on the line. While this has been the norm for most people in most of history, it is a surprising development for many privileged white people. Our views often mask how radical the Gospels really are. There was provocative, yet non-violent, resistance throughout Jesus's ministry. Many see the commissioning of Peter in John 21, "Feed my lambs," as being about Peter's evangelism, but it is really an act of resistance. The big fish people they brought out of the...

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If you are a woman, you have likely heard the story of Martha and Mary. Martha is hurried and busy in the kitchen at the big party she threw for Jesus. But Mary sits down at Jesus's feet, anointing him with ointment. Martha complains to Jesus, saying that he should tell Mary to get busy and help her sister. But Jesus says Mary chose the better way. This is usually told to shame busy body women. But this is totally wrong. Instead, it is an invitation into a man's world that they had...

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Have you been puzzled by the dissonance of Palm Sunday? How can people seem so happy at the start of the worst week of Jesus's life? Why do we think Hosanna is offering praise? What made the people throw their cloaks down and wave branches? These are pivotal questions. Looking at the volatile political and cultural dynamics at play, you can see the astonishing insight and bravery of Jesus. Whether you believe his actions were divinely guided or not, I get a glimpse how this amazing story shows us the Jesus that I...

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Correction! Jezreel Valley goes from Haifa to the Jordan River. Kidron Valley is next to Jerusalem. I am sorry for the error!

No word is more polarizing than "woke" but the people who get really angry about usually can't define it. To them, it just means anything liberal they don't like. Instead, the term arose in the black community in the mid-20th century and it simply means becoming aware of the systemic injustice in American society. It was used against Jim Crow and racism and the institutions that...

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Pastors always walk a fine line when it comes to politics and current events. Healthy congregations have people with a variety of political persuasions. Being a true pastor means you should never abuse the privilege of power to push partisan political positions. But we are also compelled to preach the gospel, so we should not be complicit or quiet in the face of political cruelty and injustice nor in the face of anything-goes immorality. So how can you be faithful and non-partisan at the same time? There are two ways to look at...

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What does Newton and Darwin have to do with God? A whole lot. Newton represents the height and triumph of determinism, the idea that all things have a cause and effect. If you know all the inputs and processes of a system, you can determine every outcome. Calvin's writings underpinned this by saying that God has absolute control of the entire universe, which Newton used to generalize from earth to the cosmos. Newton was a very religious man. Darwin who was also religious, created a major fissure in determinism by describing how random...

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What is Biblical Marriage? That is a hard question to answer because there are many biblical marriages. There is Israelite marriage in the time of the Patriarchs, there is Judean marriage in the Second Temple period, there is New Testament Jewish marriage, there is New Testament gentile marriage, there is sacramental marriage as the Catholic Church defines it and there is Protestant marriage. Then all of this is applied to modern American notions of marriage and the nuclear family. I describe what the true purpose of marriage was in the Old Testament and...

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I welcome special guest Gabe Gordon who is the author of his recent book "The Fundamentals of a Recovering Fundamentalist." We went to seminary together and he was my TA for a historical theology class. Now he is a grad student at Marquette University specializing in historical theology. His interests are early Greek and Syriac speaking Christianity and post-supersessionist Jewish Christian theology. He is a very deep thinker and I've always admired his thoughtful approach to theology. Gabe will give us a little autobiography that is central to his book. I ask Gabe...

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"Born Again Christian" is a label you wear proudly or are very leery about it. This dichotomy is intentional and says a lot about how you see scripture and salvation. Most people think of evangelical Christians being Born Again. So why do some Christians, like myself, bristle at the label. It all has to do with a pun, that you only really see in Greek. It gets to the playfulness of the language in the Gospel of John. It also shows us that the way Nicodemus saw salvation isn't so much different than...

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The Lord’s Prayer is a central feature of Christian worship. Why? There’s a long history and it’s part of a bigger question of why the Sermon on the Mount is so crucial. This is critical in today’s Christianity. Many Christians are openly disdainful of the central message of the sermon and the prayer. I think a better understanding of the Lord’s Prayer can help return us to a sense of balance. I go through the prayer line by line in Greek to show how. 

#lordsprayer #sermononthemount #christianna...

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Wait a minute, I thought Jesus was sinless, in Hebrews 4:15! If you ever want to smoke out religious bullies, this is one of the best ways to do it. Most people understand that strict application of the law and being faithful to the intent of the law are not the same thing. According to the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus was a big law breaker, but we know that Jesus was on the right side of the kingdom of heaven. I compare two ways of reading the Sermon on the Mount to show that...

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It's heartbreaking how transgender people are being targeted as political pawns by Christians. What does the Bible have to say about gender? Is transgender against God's plan for humanity? Why are 1% of the population so threatening to many Christians? I deal with the commonly used verses against trans people and the biblical concepts of gender. I also talk about body modification and the arguments that gender-affirming surgery is an affront to God. Yet, the people who say these things have no problem with circumcision, corrective surgery for congenital problems, tattoos, and elective plastic...

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Are you lukewarm? This is one of the biggest insults you can tell a Christian, but it is almost always said by lukewarm pastors who don't know what it means. The rebuke against the Laodicean church is one of the most misused parts of the New Testament. Lukewarm is a metaphor for self-satisfaction and complaisance. It is explicitly about works, not faith. But it is usually interpreted about not being on fire for the Lord. People are afraid about being "spit out" if they are not passionate or fervent enough. Instead the verse...

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This is about Bible translation and the bad theology that can come from it. There are many different ways Jeremiah 17:9-10. It is most often used to say, "Don't trust your heart!" But this is a terrible interpretation. The fundamentalist website Desiring God features an article by one of its founders that says, "Don't Follow Your Heart" and “No, our hearts will not save us. We need to be saved FROM our hearts." But the word for heart Levav in Hebrew means reason and mind. It is the word Kelahyote, which means kidneys, th...

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Learning a new meaning of a favorite scripture is one of the great joys of preaching every week. 2 Corinthians 3 is one of those. When paired with the lectionary readings about Moses on Mount Sinai and the Transfiguration of Jesus, I saw that it is so much more than just an explanation of the Law and the New Covenant. Verse 17 "where the Spirit is, there is freedom" shows the glory of the New Covenant. I explain the standard interpretation of these stories, but I then expand it to a pivotal understanding of the Transfiguration...

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Many Christians are obsessed with sin. Especially your sin. There is a common refrain that Jesus talked much more about the condemnation of sin than he did about compassion. This is fallacious. Jesus hardly spoke about individual sin and rarely condemned individuals. He overwhelmingly showed compassion to individuals. He reserved his ire for Pharisees and religious leaders. Most references to sin, repentance, and condemnation were directed to groups of people and unjust systems. The "unforgivable sin" in Matthew 12:31 is a good example. This is the most feared verse of many evangelicals because they...

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Rev. Adina Meyer is an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Women Priests International Movement within the Roman Catholic Church. She also leads a UCC congregation in Seattle. She is also a terrific friend of mine. We took classes together in seminary and we love to talk theology, church and ministry. The concept of women priests is new to many people but women served major ministerial roles throughout scripture and in the history of the church. Deborah served in priestly role as judge of all Israel in Judges 4. Mary Magdalene is often called...

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Genocide is the hardest part of the Bible. How can we justify the call for total war and the total destruction of enemies in the Hebrew scriptures with a loving God? The concept is called Cherem in Hebrew. It is not enough to defeat an enemy but you must obliterate the enemy, including all men, women, and children, and their livestock. God commands in Deuteronomy 7 to show no mercy. In 1 Samuel 15, Saul loses the favor of God for being too merciful. I dive into the meaning of these passages in history. Then I...

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Celtic Christianity offers a different perspective of the church and the triune God. It is a look into one of the most significant pre-Roman Christian communities. We have all heard of St. Patrick in Ireland, but many other saints spread Christianity in the British Isles before the Catholic Church took over at the Synod of Whitby in 664 CE. I am a Voyager in the Community of Aidan and Hilda, a dispersed Celtic Christianity group. It was founded by Rev. Ray Simpson in the UK and now has chapters in several countries including the...

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In this episode, we dive deep into John 9, exploring the story of the blind man and its implications on inherited sin and biblical interpretation. As an affirming Christian and PCUSA minister, I provide insights into this passage’s cultural and spiritual context, highlighting the challenges of exclusion and shallow faith within historical religious leadership. We examine how modern Christian faith grapples with traditional doctrines like Original Sin, questioning cause-and-effect language in popular Bible translations. Join us as we unpack this scripture through the lens of inclusive Christianity and affirming spirituality, offering fresh perspectives th...

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Mercy is in the news. Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde spoke about mercy directly to the president. This caused a huge reaction, positively and negatively toward her message. When looked at in totality, her sermon was a very mainstream message about unity and mercy. Given to an ordinary congregation, even with her admonition to a new president, would have been praised and quickly forgotten. But to this president and this political context, it has been seen as a direct challenge. Why the difference? I will explore the meaning of mercy and justice in...

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Mercy is in the news. Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde spoke about mercy directly to the president. This caused a huge reaction, positively and negatively toward her message. When looked at in totality, her sermon was a very mainstream message about unity and mercy. Given to an ordinary congregation, even with her admonition to a new president, would have been praised and quickly forgotten. But to this president and this political context, it has been seen as a direct challenge. Why the difference? I will explore the meaning of mercy and justice in...

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The abuse of women is chronically under-reported. Violence against women is everywhere in scripture. Just like in society, it is sometimes condemned but it’s often not. John 8:1-11 is a disgusting display of religious leaders bullying a woman as a pawn to entrap Jesus. But this passage especially verse 11 is still used as theological violence. “Sin no more” is routinely plucked out of context by religious bullies to shame women and to distort the gospel message. I discuss the tortured history of John 8:1-11 and how a story of compassion is used for mi...

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It's fascinating how people can read the same passage and get different meanings. Sometimes they just get it plain wrong and then it is used to prop up a whole theology. Luke 4 contains one of those interpretations. Many Christians think Jesus was thrown out of the Nazareth synagogue because he claimed to be the Messiah. In fact there is an episode of The Chosen showing disapproving rabbis gasping when Jesus said “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” in verse 21, but that is completely wrong because verse 22 says they were all plea...

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Calvinists often pit themselves against reality and science. They cling to divine determinism and resist theological change. Why? As a young Presbyterian, I thought I knew what it meant to be a reformed Christian. I learned a bit about Calvin, but when I encountered hardcore TULIP Calvinists later in life, I was confused. How could this possibly be the same faith as mine? Was I going to reject Calvinism or change my mind? I discovered that being reformed and Calvinist aren't the same thing and that the church has always had a troubled...

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The dogma of Hell has caused more anxiety than any other. What is largely unknown is that Hell as a place of eternal conscious torment in the Bible is flimsy at best. Nearly all of our visions of Hell come from the last few chapters of Revelation and other literature. It is sometimes said that Jesus talked more about Hell than Heaven. This is untrue for a variety of reasons. Where does this obsession with Satan and Hell come from? It is mostly an invention of the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle...

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How do you know if you are really saved? Can you lose your salvation once you are saved? Nothing has produced more anxiety and spawned more debate in Christian history. We see it in many forms Catholic sacraments, “won and done” conversion, and “turn or burn” theology. It’s a huge part of evangelical fervor. But it’s a lot more about Christian exclusion and control than genuine concern for other people. I explore a couple of famous passages from Hebrews and the different ideas about security of salvation from Arminian, Calvinist, and Catholic poi...

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One of the greatest challenges I face in ministry today is working with people obsessed with control. You really see this in Christian circles. Which is hugely ironic, because Christianity is all about giving up control. It’s a very American thing and it originates in the American myth of conquering and being self-made. This obsession manifests in several ways: Demanding proof for belief and apologetics, aggressive evangelism, and using religion for wealth and power, are the obvious ways. But more subtly humbly in saying Jesus is in control, God is in control, an...

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A common Christian definition of Grace is kindness that isn't deserved, a favor or boon despite who you are. This grace is far too limiting & exhibits a desire for control & authority. Grace is the antidote to shame. To say that grace is only undeserved kindness increases shame and perpetuates the illusion of a distant and angry God. it upholds the transactional nature of evangelical faith. In Hebrew, Khain means favor and grace. It is much more warm and inviting. Like the common non-religious use of the word, it should be about acceptance, invitation...

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The English Standard Version has become the favorite Bible for many Christians. Is it good? The honest answer is "sort of." It is basically the old Revised Standard Version with about 10% of it changed. Very good in a lot of ways and certainly better than your old King James Version, but it is also terrible in other ways. It is essentially a project against feminist influences and gender inclusivity. In some glaring ways it is malicious and misleading. I discuss the history of it and how it is like many reactionary translations before...

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Women are in leadership roles throughout scripture. From Miriam to Deborah in the Old Testament, to Mary Magdalene and Mary Mother of Jesus, to 18 different women mentioned by Paul. Deacons, Teachers, and Pastors for certain, likely also apostles. However, the patriarchal church has done so much to suppress the roles of women. I give the example of ESV suppressing Phoebe and Junia, in a clear effort to minimize their roles in Romans 16:1-7, even in the 21st century. It really shouldn't be a biblical controversy at all. But people regularly bring out 1 Corinthians 14:34...

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Whether LGBTQ relationships are sinful or acceptable is the hottest question in Christianity today. I would call it an obsession among Christians. It is all centered around 5 verses: 2 from Leviticus and 3 from Paul in the New Testament. There are several others often cited but these are the main 5 that speak directly about what appears to be homosexual behavior. They are often called the "clobberverses."  Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10. I will explain the exegesis and history for each of these. While these verses each describe homosexual activity, they are not a...

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Whether LGBTQ relationships are sinful or acceptable is the hottest question in Christianity today. I would call it an obsession among Christians. It is all centered around 5 verses: 2 from Leviticus and 3 from Paul in the New Testament. There are several others often cited but these are the main 5 that speak directly about what appears to be homosexual behavior. They are often called the "clobberverses."  Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:10. I will explain the exegesis and history for each of these. While these verses each describe homosexual activity, they are not a...

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Hope is hard to come by when you are embattled. 1 Peter 3:13-16 was encouragement for persecuted Christians in the 1st century. Evangelical Christians are often taught to "be prepared to defend the faith." This feeds the persecution complex narrative that "the world", "secular humanism", the "forces of evil" are out to get them. Whether you know this verse or not, or you are Christian or not, this affects you greatly because it is the main narrative driving the political and social narrative of our day. Instead of aggressive apologetics, these verses are about...

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Reading the Old Testament is greatly enhanced by a simple but very important exegetical practice. Always ask: 1. Who is the author?, 2. Who is the audience?, 3. What is the purpose of the writing? Understanding the difference between Exegesis and Eisegesis is understanding the difference between biblical analysis and theology. I use the differences between the story of King Manasseh in Kings and Chronicles to show this is used. When you do this the scripture is far more interesting and enriching to read. I liken it to reading Shakespeare's history plays. A little time looking...

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Does the Bible get its authority from Inspiration or Inerrancy? The most frequently cited verse for this is 2 Tim 3:16. When you do a deep dive into the verse & its context, I don't think you can believe both. This is the major theological controversy in Christianity today: Is the Bible inerrant or not? I start with the scriptures and then I get into the ugly history and why even today it gets people so angry to talk about this. 

#inerrancy #infallibility #inspiration #godbreathed #apologetics #bible #edmonds #edmondspres #pcusa

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The completeness and wholeness of God is described in the concept of the Trinity. Like the Shema prayer spoken by many Jews daily, it has the sense of mind, body, and spirit. Christians see the mind, body, and spirit of God as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Rather than three beings, it is the wholeness of one being, just as humans are not separate mind, body, and spirit. I think this a very important Christmas message, because it is the incarnation of God that is the fulfillment...

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Jesus' interaction with Pilate is fascinating. Jesus was in between the religious powers of the temple and the hard military power of the Romans. The Root of David was also the representation of raw power. The Lion of Judah is the supremacy of Judah over all the other tribes. Ironically, these images of power are not what save us. Jesus is different. He lost. He went to the cross. But in his loss we are redeemed. 

#lionofjudah #lambofgod #pilate #jesus #barabbas #edmondspres #pcusa

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Paul uses a lot of military imagery in Ephesians. He uses words of fealty, like soldiers who give their loyalty to their commanders. He uses words of armor, shields, and swords. Why? Because military images conferred status and honor in Roman society. It made sense to fight off evil using these spiritual weapons. This was especially important to the Ephesians who worshipped the warrior goddess Artemis. Artemis was a very positive figure in Ephesus, especially for women. Paul's appeal to the Ephesians used the military imagery of Artemis to show that Jesus was...

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In Isaiah 9:6, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace sounds different in Hebrew. Pehleh yoehtz ehl gaboor avee yod sar shalom also translates like a single indigenous name: Mighty God is planning marvelous things, because the Eternal father rules in peace. In this podcast, I break the phrase down line by line in Hebrew and describe how we came to see it as four separate names for Jesus.

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Jesus' interaction with Pilate is fascinating. Jesus was in between the religious powers of the temple and the hard military power of the Romans. The Root of David was also the representation of raw power. The Lion of Judah is the supremacy of Judah over all the other tribes. Ironically, these images of power are not what save us. Jesus is different. He lost. He went to the cross. But in his loss we are redeemed. 
#lionofjudah #lambofgod #pilate #jesus #barabbas #edmondspres #pcusa

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It's frustrating to us that we don't know more about the biography of Jesus, but in Luke 2 we get to see Jesus as a 12-year-old boy. It's important to know that the Gospels tell us what we need to know. For the ancient writers, the message was more important than the characters. In this episode, I describe how it makes perfect sense that a Galilean Jewish boy like Jesus was talking to rabbis in Jerusalem. He was preparing for manhood, his bar mitzvah. The rabbis were always interested in evaluating the boys coming...

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Information overload is the defining part of our era. This directly relates to religion and the Bible. What can you trust or not trust? What is belief vs. faith? In this podcast I describe the reliability of information, referencing Yuval Noah Harari's new book "Nexus" and then I describe how it relates to the ordination process and ministry. Faith is more important than belief. A Statement of Faith is more important that subscribing to a list of beliefs and doctrines. Then, I give a short bio about my ministry path and my motivations...