Cocktail Theology

In today’s divisive political climate, we make assumptions that there are “good” and “bad” people based on their “right” or “left” points-of-view. What happens when you hurl an insult at a “bad” person and they respond with kindness? And what if the “good” people come at you like you’re the enemy when they find out you’re having (gasp!) conversation with someone from the other side? Join Elane and Benton as they look at a real-life example of how leading with kindness can change a mind. Today's Cocktail: The New England Castaway (our Fall cocktail) Music Credits "Burn It Down" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Melissa Bishop Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes & Janine Smith. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Synopsis We each see Jesus through our own unique lens. Even those who wrote the books of the New Testament saw and experienced him differently. So why is it modern Christians find it hard to believe that someone’s very different take on Jesus could be just as valid as their own? Listen as Elane and Benton consider the writer of Hebrews and his/her unique take on Jesus. And yes, tempura really is fried food. Today’s Cocktail: Vodka Rose Gimlet Music Credits "Jesus Under My Bed" Words & music by Benton Stokes, Belinda Smith & Aaron Smith "People Change" Words & music by Benton Stokes Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes & Janine Smith. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Synopsis If you really had faith in God, you'd never be depressed or anxious. Right?  Or, if you are, maybe it's because you don't pray the right words in the right way at the right time using the right name of God? Faith is not a description of a single positive experience. It is more like a verb--an ongoing practice of choices based on some set of beliefs. Listen in as Benton and Elane discuss salvation, suffering, and the moral innocuity of depression. Today's Cocktail Beverage: Peet's Coffee.  Music Credits "Sitting On the Edge Of Your World" (Demo Version) Words & music by Benton Stokes & Matthew S. Garinger "Sitting On the Edge Of Your World" (Grace & Gravity Version) Words & music by Benton Stokes & Matthew S. Garinger Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.    

Synopsis 250 mass shootings in 215 days. Do they matter? In the shadow of Gilroy and El Paso, Benton and Elane explore why Christians don't care. Today's Wine: David Bruce Pinot Noir Music Credits "All Right To Be Okay" Words & music by Benton Stokes Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Support Cocktail Theology on Patreon. 

Synopsis You are made in the image of God. That means you have the Creative Spirit within you and around you. Now what? Benton and Elane share what it means to be creative, and how you can channel that Creative Spirit in your own life.  Today's Cocktail: Rose Rosé Music Credits "The Guy I'm Growing Up to Be" and "Find The Good" Words & music by Benton Stokes "Own It" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Elizabeth Mendenhall Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Support Cocktail Theology on Patreon.       

Synopsis Many Christians talk about the role of the Spirit (or The Holy Spirit) in guiding one's daily life. Very few of us actually know what that means, or how to actually achieve such a God-soaked life. In this episode--recorded in front of a studio audience on the Christian holy day of Pentecost--Benton and Elane sort out who the Spirit is, what having the Spirit around means, and how to hear and heed Her (mostly quiet) nudgings. Tonight's Cocktail:   Fresh peach daiquiri Music Credits Recorded live in Nashville. "Meant To Be" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Matthew S. Garinger "Unreal," "Sacred," "Now" Words & music by Benton Stokes Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Support Cocktail Theology on Patreon.   

Synopsis For thousands of years, both Christians and non-Christians have argued over what the right beliefs are. In this episode, Benton and Elane take a different approach: what is the bare minimum you can believe or do and still call yourself a Christian?   Today's Cocktail: Diskin Cider   Music Credits "Nothing In Between" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Brennan Eagleton "Surrendering" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Eva Wilson "Burn It Down" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Melissa Bishop "You Are Mine" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Janine Smith Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Support Cocktail Theology on Patreon.     

Synopsis Benton and Elane talk with our favorite rabble rouser, noted blogger and speaker John Pavlovitz, about his latest book Hope and Other Superpowers, wonder, civility, kids, and John's coffee virginity. This Morning's Cocktails  Prosecco with pomegranate syrup (us), diet Coke (John Pavlovitz) Music Credits Music by Benton Stokes  Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Support Cocktail Theology on Patreon. 

Synopsis We went to the Nashville Cocktail Festival, served drinks, and asked innocent attendees four questions about God. Some answers were silly, some were profound, and most were funny...especially as the night wore on. This special edition of Cocktail Theology contains adult themes and language. Listener discretion is advised. Tonight's Cocktail Thoroughly Modern (Scotch, raspberry liqueur, absinthe, bitters, lemon juice) Music Credits "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" by Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn, performed by Ace Brigode & His Fourteen Virginians   Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Support This Podcast on Patreon.         

Forests. Beaches. Cathedrals. Grandma's sofa. What is it about those places that makes them sacred to us? Do we all have sacred places? And why aren't mine the same as yours, even if we experience them together?   Music Credits "Sitting On The Edge Of Your World" and "Meant to Be" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Matthew S. Garinger "Sacred" and "Now" Words & music by Benton Stokes Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Become a Big Tipper, Regular, or Executive Producer (and receive our thanks & swag) on Patreon. 

Synopsis You've moved on. You've left a church. Have you left The Church? Have you left God? And what does all that mean for what's next for your community worship, your sense of connection, your life with God? Benton and Elane discuss what Benton's been doing since he left his church job, and why being part of the consciously-universal Church is so attractive these days. Listeners--We Want To Hear From You! If you're part of a denomination or connection that is consciously aware of its connection to history and eternity, we want to hear from you! Email us at info@schoolforseekers.com. Visit Us! We'll be pouring and interviewing at the main events of the Nashville Cocktail Festival, April 23-26, 2019. Music Credits "Amazing Grace," "It Is Well (With My Soul," "Be Thou My Vision," "I've Got Peace Like A River", all public domain, all played by Benton Stokes.

Synopsis When the national flag passes by, or the loudspeaker blares The Star-Spangled Banner, what are you supposed to do?  Does whatever it is you actually do have anything to do with your patriotism? Is patriotism any more than prettied-up tribalism? And, if you count yourself a Christian, how does patriotism fit in with your allegiance to a King and a Kingdom?  Join Benton Stokes and Dr. Elane O'Rourke for flags, anthems, patriotism, and coffee. Music Credits "America The Beautiful" Composer: Samuel Ward (1847-1903). Arranger(s): Carmen Dragon. Performing Ensemble: United States Navy Band. Lyricist: Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929). Publisher(s): Department of Defense

Synopsis Whether out of prurience or righteous indignation, it's other people's sexuality we talk about most. Are we really talking about their attractions and actions? Does the Bible actually take a single, coherent position? And, if we are seekers after God in the way of Jesus, how should we express ourselves and police our behaviors? Our Official Fall Cocktail: Cranberry Bourbon Shrub (Scroll down for recipe) Like Our Podcast? Become a Regular or Big Tipper monthly giver, gaining our thanks and swag, and your own cheerful heart. http://www.patreon.com/cocktailtheology!       Cranberry Bourbon Shrub Adapted from David Lebowitz's version Shrub is a curious mixture of berries, sugar, and vinegar. We made three this year--cranberry, pomegranate, and blackberry--along with corresponding simple syrups. Besides mixing well with gin and bourbon, shrubs are fantastic non-alcoholic hot-weather drinks to serve your teetotalling friends. To make shrub: Place 2 cups berries in a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of water (1

All music by Benton Stokes. (And watch for the new single, coming October 2018!) Synopsis Benton and Elane discuss why it is that, when people get into an argument, the argument is rarely about what they think it’s about. We often aren’t actually talking about what we’re talking about, at all.   This is the problem of paradigms: the way you think about an issue determines how you understand the facts.  So two people looking at the same facts can come to completely different conclusions. What we value determines our conclusions far more than do the facts. Also making an appearance: drum corps, songwriting, confirmation hearings, comic books, postmodernism, Quote Bunny, tribal affinities, chartreuse, the lack of reality, humility, Jesus, and ice cream cones. Part Two: What Are We Talking About When We’re Talking About Other People’s Sexuality? Part Three: What Are We Talking About When We’re Talking About Patriotism? Bring us to your church, school, living room! We’re planning 2019 right now, so if you’d like a

Did Jesus wish he'd done things differently? Do you? How do we evaluate what we've done, not with condemnation, but with  "beginner's mind"? What does it mean to look back and learn, so we can forge ahead? Music Credits "Better Than I Ought To Be," "People Change" Words & music by Benton Stokes Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Become a Big Tipper, Regular, or Executive Producer (and receive our thanks & swag) on Patreon.     

When is it time to take someone you admire--to the point of idealization--off the pedestal? When is your admiration mostly nostalgia, the memory of your glory days?  Benton and Elane discuss the value of critiquing our idols, of growing up, and of the appeal of actual human frailty.  Tonight's beverage: Zeka Vineyards 2015 Pinot Noir  Music Credits Piano improvisations by Benton Stokes. Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Become a Big Tipper, Regular, or Executive Producer (and receive our thanks & swag) on Patreon.      Music by Benton Stokes

What does "your body is a temple" mean, particularly in a world of plumbing, Ketel One gimlets, and steroids?  How do we develop habits that support our spiritual health while enjoying the good material things God gives? Tonight's cocktail: Gimlets, made with Ketel One Rose-Grapefruit-infused vodka and housemade lime simple syrup.    Like our work? Listen regularly? Pretend we're your bar tab and pony up (and receive our thanks & swag) at http://www.patreon.com/cocktailtheology! Music Credits "Jesus Under My Bed" Words & music by Benton Stokes, Belinda Smith & Aaron Smith Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.  

What does it mean to be "living for heaven" when you believe heaven is not a lot different from Beverly Hills--but that you'll be the one living there? We discuss that, plus the fine art of the Gimlet, in Episode 20: Motives & Mansions. Music Credits "Meant To Be" Words & music by Benton Stokes & Matthew Garinger.  Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Become a Big Tipper, Regular, or Executive Producer (and receive our thanks & swag) on Patreon.       

As the Teen Titans movie (2018) taught us, every superhero needs an arch-nemesis. But what if that superhero is God? Or you? Tune in for our discussion of comics, heroes, and the shadow side of being a person.   Music Credits "Love Is Like" Words & music by Benton Stokes and Dennis Dearing. Available on Turn Off The Moon. (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Become a Big Tipper, Regular, or Executive Producer (and receive our thanks & swag) on Patreon.    Timestamp Info   0-5:37 We introduce the spycam  Elane is going to use to capture Benton uncensored. Benton has new music coming out in October—and watch for the new album next spring! Bring Cocktail Theology to you, including cocktails, cheese, and music! Contact us (in

Synopsis A recent Pew Research study declared that most American Christians go to church to grow closer to God. A solid third don't go because they don't like religious services. We're not sure about either one of those statements.  To register for our October 20, 2018 retreat in Nashville, click here. Support Your Favorite Podcast! Become a Big Tipper, Regular, or Executive Producer (and receive our thanks & swag) on Patreon.  Music Credits "Love Tonight" Music by Benton Stokes & Dennis Dearing. Our theme music: “Moving On (Feels Pretty Good)”. Words & music by Benton Stokes. Available on Grace & Gravity  (CD on BentonStokes.com; digitally on Amazon and iTunes) Copyright 2018 Songs From the Basement (BMI).  All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. Timestamp Info 0-5:15 Today’s cocktail: Evan Williams Black & Monin Blood Orange Syrup. Intro to Pew Research’s study on American churchgoing habits. The categories of “Christian” in the study, and in American culture.  The majority of churchgoe