Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity
Church Potluck serves up thoughtful, friendly, informal conversation at the intersection of Christianity and contemporary culture. Just like a church potluck, we offer variety: a variety of topics, a variety of academic disciplines, and a variety of Christian traditions. Guests are friends and colleagues who are also experts in the fields of sociology, political science, theology, philosophy, divinity, and more.
Episodes
46 episodes
Jimmy Carter's Faith-Full Legacy
What was it about Jimmy Carter's legacy that touched so many lives beyond his presidency? Join us on Church Potluck as we share a captivating discussion with Mike, Christy, and newcomer Dr. Steve Terry, who braved the weather to be with us. Tog...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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1:08:47
Deifying Politicians, Hearing God's Voice, and Age Gaps in Middle-East Views
In this episode of Church Potluck, we dive into three thought-provoking themes with Dr. Christy Snider and Dr. Michael Bailey. First, we explore whether it is fair to say that some Republicans are deifying Trump, drawing from Thomas Ed...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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57:34
Jewish-Christian Dialogue: A Navy Chaplain's Mission
In this episode of Church Potluck: A Smorgasbord of Christian Curiosity, Rabbi Albert Slomovitz shares his journey from chaplaincy to interfaith scholar, offering insights on bridging Jewish-Christian relations. The conversation explor...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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51:13
What We Did This Summer
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Papazian, Professor of Philosophy, and Michael Bailey, Associate Professor of Political Science, for a lively and personal discussion of their summer experiences and reflections.Michael Bailey ope...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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58:24
Jesus Christ, Moviestar: "The Chosen" and the Movie Messiah
Explore the life of Jesus as it's represented in the modern film series, The Chosen. Join Rev. Dr. Jonathan Huggins and the exuberant Gabrielle Roes along with host Dale McConkey as we discuss the merits of this cinematic blockbuster w...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:03:02
Transgender Clergy and the Quest for Inclusive Faith
As Church Potluck makes its return from an extended break, we're setting the table to feast on a diversity of Christian experiences and insights. Our latest episode serves up an intimate look at the complex and controversial intersection of fai...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:05:03
Parentless Embryos? Faith Meets BioEthics
Weeeee'rrre Baaaack!!! After an extended hiatus, Church Potluck has returned! In this episode (recorded a few months ago), brace yourself for a journey through the ethical labyrinth of modern science with Dr. Michael Bailey and Dr. Michael Papa...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:08:02
Oppenheimer, the Bomb, and the Ethics of War
It's the long-awaited Oppenheimer episode! We explore the man, the myth, the movie: J. Robert Oppenheimer, the “father of the atomic bomb." Our esteemed guests are Drs. Todd Timberlake (physics), Kirsten Taylor (international relations, and Cli...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:03:56
The Complexity of the Crusades
Crusades = Bad. It's that simple, isn't it? Join us for a deep dive as we explore the Crusades from multiple angles from three historians. First, Larry Marvin explores how the Crusades were not primarily an attempt to convert Muslims. Next, Kel...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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58:36
Losing Our Religion: The Decline of Church Affiliation and the Rise of the "Nones"
Is America losing its religion? Statistics indicate yes, with a rapid decrease in church affiliation and a marked increase in people who don't identify with organized religion. This episode of Church Potluck features Curt Hersey (Communication)...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:04:08
Horror and Christianity in Film: Haunting or Holy?
Brace yourselves for a chilling journey as we traverse the shadowy realms of horror and Christianity in the latest season of Church Potluck. Picture this: you're plunged into a world where spine-tingling tension meets a quest for spiritual insi...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:14:23
Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Faith
Season 2 of Church Potluck has officially begun! To kick off the new season, we are exploring the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence on religious faith. Join Christy Snider (history), Michael Papazian (philosophy), Michael Bailey (poli...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:14:28
Buddhism and Christianity: An Enlightening Conversation
Buddhism and Christianity. How do they differ? How are they similar? Our esteemed guest, Dr. Jeffrey Lidke (religious studies), shares his personal experiences as well as his academic explorations of Buddhism. Drs. Bailey (political science) an...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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1:18:24
Southern Baptists and Female Preachers: Pondering the Prohibition
Is it time for the Southern Baptist Convention to reevaluate its traditional views on women serving as pastors? In an eye-opening conversation, we tackle the question of whether these views reflect sound biblical theology or are simply remnants...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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1:02:51
Shiny Happy People: Patriarchy, Authority, and Abuse in the Duggar Family Documentary
On this week's episode, we discuss the four-part documentary Shiny Happy People: Secrets of the Duggar Family (Amazon Prime, Freevee). We address sexual scandals, abuses of authority, gender roles, parenting styles, and more. Our guests are Drs...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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57:19
A Monk's Life: Ancient Wisdom for Modern People
Is monasticism an outdated concept or can its principles still be of value in today's fast-paced world? We had a riveting discussion about monasticism and contemplative Christianity with our esteemed guests, Drs. Michael Papazian (philosophy), ...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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1:04:19
Muscular Christianity: Faith, Fitness, and Masculinity
Can faith and fitness converge to create stronger Christians? Join our esteemed guests Drs. Christy Snyder, Michael Bailey, and Jon Parker as we explore the fascinating concept of "Muscular Christianity" and its impact on church and society.
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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48:55
Flat-Earth Theory: Science, Faith, and Conspiracy
Have you ever wondered what fuels the beliefs of Flat-Earth proponents? Join us in this episode as we sit down with Drs. Clint Peters, Todd Timberlake, and Mike Bailey to explore the intriguing world of Flat-Earth theories and their connections...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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54:07
Church and State, Past and Present
The coronation of King Charles III prompts questions about the relationship between Church and State. How did Church and State interact in medieval times? How about now in the modern era? Does Church or State benefit most from their intermingli...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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31:08
Coronating a King: Christianity and the Coronation
At its foundation, the coronation of King Charles III will be an act of Christian worship. What makes it so? What religious meanings will be embedded in all of the pageantry and music? And what does a coronation tell us about the relationship b...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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46:11
Faith in College: Tales from Graduating Seniors
This week's Church Potluck features three graduating seniors from Berry College: Darla Gore, Grace Segars, and SK Smith. Each discusses the ways that their faith was simultaneously challenged yet strengthened while at college. They also explore...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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50:06
Serving among the Poor: Tales from the Jesuit Volunteer Corps
Jesus had a special relationship with those who are poor in this world. The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) encourages young adults to follow in Jesus' footsteps by living in an impoverished region in the United States and practicing the core valu...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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44:28
Schism: When the Church Divides
The Church is called to be "one body and one Spirit," yet we have a long history of fracturing into separate traditions and denominations. What should we make of such divisions? Join Dr. Michael Papazian (philosophy), Jon Parker (biblical studi...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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58:20
Easter: Angles on the Atonement
We conclude our trilogy of Easter episodes with a discussion of the Atonement. With Good Friday approaching, Christians prepare to commemorate Jesus saving us on the cross. But what is Jesus saving us from? And how does crucifixion on the cross...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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53:29
Easter: A Walk Through Holy Week
Often, Christians reduce Holy Week to Palm Sunday and Easter Day, but numerous crucial moments occur between these two days. Join Rev. Dr. Parker as he takes us on a brisk journey through each of the days of Holy Week, with Dr. Jordan Rowan Fan...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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58:46