In this special episode honoring the life and witness of Walter Brueggemann, we revisit a conversation that captures his prophetic brilliance and pastoral heart. Jason, Teer, and Taylor sit down with the legendary Old Testament theologian (whose books can be found on just about every pastor’s shelf) to talk about what it means to be a community of resistance, the radical challenge of sabbath, and his favorite word for describing the biblical encounter between David and Bathsheba. Brueggemann’s v...
Jun 13, 2025•44 min
In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, we’re joined by author and historian Amy Mantravadi to talk about her new novel, Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation . Amy shares the inspiration behind her richly detailed historical fiction, how the tumult and theology of the Reformation continue to echo in our modern world, and why fiction can be a powerful medium for engaging the past. We also dive into her love for church history, and the unique path that led her from political science and i...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this special episode of Crackers & Grape Juice, Teer Hardy and Jason Micheli sit down with Bishop Will Willimon and Rev. Tony Robinson to celebrate the life, legacy, and theological firepower of The Rev. Fleming Rutledge. Together, they explore the depth and breadth of Rutledge’s influence on contemporary preaching and theological discourse. From her theocentric preaching style to her razor-sharp use of language, Rutledge's sermons never flinch from the hard truths—sin, salvation, resurre...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Caleb Campbell joins the pod to discuss his experiences engaging with Christian Nationalists and the impact of this movement on his congregation and the broader Church. In his book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor , Caleb emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach to address the issue, highlighting the importance of connecting with individuals on a personal level and focusing on shared values. For Caleb, Christian Nationalism is not a problem for the church ...
May 02, 2025•43 min
David Zahl joins the pod to talk about his new book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World. In The Big Relief, DZ spotlights grace as the most important, urgent, and radical contribution Christianity has to offer the world. DZ helps readers understand the beauty and depth of grace, outlining how it provides relief from the guilt, status anxiety, and accelerating demand that characterize so much of modern life. Drawing on the witness of Scripture and a range of contemporary ex...
Apr 25, 2025•53 min
In this conversation, David Moffitt discusses his insights on the Epistle to the Hebrews, emphasizing the significance of resurrection, sacrifice, and atonement in understanding Jesus' role as high priest. He explores the implications of these themes for contemporary theology, particularly in relation to the Passover and the nature of intercession. Moffitt also reflects on the influence of early church fathers and the narrative of liberation in Hebrews, providing a comprehensive view of how thes...
Apr 11, 2025•54 min
In this episode of Crackers and Grape Juice, Teer checks in with Jason and Todd to reflect on their recent pilgrimage to Turkey (Asia Minor) with Brian Zahnd. They discuss the reasons for the pilgrimage, the historical and theological significance of Asia Minor as the birthplace of Christianity, and how these experiences deepened their faith. The conversation explores the rich history of early Christian sites, the importance of understanding the origins of Christian creeds, and the differences b...
Apr 04, 2025•38 min
After an extended hiatus, Crackers and Grape Juice is back. In this episode, Jason and Teer speak with Jordan Daniel Wood about his journey into the Christian tradition, particularly through the works of Maximus. They explore the implications of the incarnation, the nature of creation, and the goodness of God in relation to evil. The discussion also touches on the importance of time, perfection, and the legacy of the Church Fathers, as well as the challenges of teaching theology in a modern cont...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Emily Hunter McGowin joins the pod to talk about her book, Christmas: The Season of Life and Light. In this episode, Teer and Emily dive into the rich theological and biblical roots of the Christmas season, reflecting on the themes of God's initiative and intervention in human life. They explore the interplay of darkness and light, the call to repentance and preparation, and the enduring significance of Advent and the 12 days of Christmas. Be sure to listen through the end of the episode for a s...
Dec 20, 2024•41 min
We talked with Adam Morton recently about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the culture war over the new biopic film, and how to think critically and charitably about figures of history. A friend from Mockingbird Ministries, Adam is the Teaching Associate in Christian Theology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Adam's thoughts on the Bonhoeffer film which prompted our conversation: Too many people write, speak, opine about the guy (now me included). There are too many bad...
Dec 11, 2024•46 min
Friend of the podcast, Jennifer Powell McNutt, joined us recently to talk about her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today Jennifer Powell McNutt (PhD, The University of St. Andrews) is the Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical and Theological Studies and professor of theology and history of Christianity at Wheaton College. She is an award-winning author, a fellow in the Royal Historical Society, and an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian ...
Nov 22, 2024•53 min
Andrew Rillera joined the pod to discuss his new book, Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus’s Death From the publisher (Wipf & Stock): Lamb of the Free analyzes the different sacrificial imagery applied to Jesus in the NT in light of the facts that (a) there is no such thing as substitutionary death sacrifice in the Torah--neither death nor suffering nor punishment of the animal has any place in the sacrificial system--and (b) there are both atoning and...
Nov 15, 2024•56 min
Gretchen Purser, host of The Mess is Mine Podcast , joins Teer, Todd, and Jason to preview Election Day 2024. Gretchen helps us understand how we got to where we are and what we might expect on Election Day and the following days, weeks, and months. Gretchen is a recovering evangelical, former political hack, and Republican refugee. Find Crackers and Grape Juice on Instagram , Facebook , and Substack ....
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Brad East joined the pod to discuss his new book, The Church: A Guide to the People of God. From the publisher (Lexham Press): The Bible tells the story of God and his people. But it is not merely history. It is our story. Abraham is our father. And Israel’s freedom from slavery is ours. Brad East traces the story of God’s people, from father Abraham to the coming of Christ. He shows how we need the scope of the entire Bible to fully grasp the mystery of the church. The church is not a building ...
Nov 01, 2024•57 min
Paul, a farmer and theologian, discusses his journey into farming and theology, his formation in the faith, and his theological influences. He emphasizes the importance of the object of faith and the danger of turning justification into the object of faith. He also addresses the issue of antinomianism in Lutheranism and the need to retain God's law. Paul and Jason discuss the misuse of the term 'genocide' in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They also touch on the challenges of engag...
Sep 07, 2024•1 hr
In this conversation, Jason Micheli, Teer Hardy and Jack Levison discuss various topics, including their experiences in Greece, and the role of the Holy Spirit. They explore the physicality of the Holy Spirit and its connection to the resurrection of Jesus. They also touch on the dematerialization of the Holy Spirit in Christian theology and the need to reclaim its materiality. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the presence of the Holy Spirit in the proclamation of the go...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this conversation, Beverly Gaventa discusses her new commentary on Romans and the themes within the book. She talks about the last time she cried and the hymn that moved her to tears. She also shares her experience as a parishioner in her son's church and the challenges of preaching Paul's letter to the Romans. Gaventa highlights the importance of understanding the concrete audience of the letter and the role of women in interpreting and delivering it.
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this conversation, Mark Edwards discusses the concept of prison as a sacrament of freedom. He highlights the global problem of mass incarceration and the need for prison abolition. Edwards explores the theology of Karl Barth and his prison sermons, which offer a unique perspective on the nature of prison. He also delves into the definition of sacrament and expands it beyond traditional notions. Edwards examines the role of proclamation in the sacrament of prison and its connection to the bibl...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Jun 07, 2024•43 min
Teer and Jason sit down with Rolf Jacobson and Ruben Rosario Rodriguez to reflect on the life and work of Jürgen Moltmann. Moltmann was a German Reformed theologian who was Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the University of Tübingen and was known for his books such as The Theology of Hope , The Crucified God , God in Creation , and other contributions to systematic theology.
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Will Willimon’s chicken sitter, Slice Penny is a rising third year student at Duke Divinity School and soon-to-be-husband. A recovering drug and alcohol addict, Slice served four years for drug trafficking at a maximum security prison in Florida. Looking back, he sees it’s all a part of God’s call upon his life.
May 31, 2024•1 hr 4 min
May 24, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Tony Jones joins the podcast to discuss his new book, The God of Wild Places, and his experiences in the outdoors. The book is a memoir that explores themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the search for identity. Tony discusses the process of writing and recording the audiobook and the challenges of sharing personal stories. The conversation also touches on the role of anger and the theology of the cross in Tony's journey. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of honesty and aut...
May 21, 2024•56 min
Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood join the pod to discuss their new book, Baptizing America - How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism . From the publisher: In the face of a rising threat to both church and democracy, Baptizing America provides an urgent examination and an enlightening critique exposing the dangerous undercurrents of Christian Nationalism. How can Mainline Protestants spot such practices in their own activities? A crucial call to reckon with influences before it...
May 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Join the Homebrewed Christianity & Crackers and Grape Juice podcasts for a unique evening of candid theological discussions over a pint at Petty Thieves Brewing Co. ahead of the 2024 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. A dynamic trio of thought leaders will join us: Dr. Leah Robinson, Rev. Dr. Will Willimon, and Rev. Derrick Scott. This event is for anyone interested in theology and who wants to engage in open conversations in a relaxed setting. We will delve deep into the pre...
Apr 18, 2024•21 min
Teer caught up with the Godfather of the pod, Brian Zahnd to talk about his newest book The Wood Between the Worlds - A Poetic Theology of the Cross. Brian and Teer talk about why a theology of the cross is necessary to fully understand the Good News of the Gospel, along with what is lost when we become numb to the violence of Good Friday. The cross is the heart of Scripture Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scri...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Here is a conversation Dr. Johanna Hartelius, and Jason shared with Dr. Chad Kim of St. Louis University on his wonderful book, The Way of Humility .
Jan 28, 2024•56 min
The kickstarter for Sarah's new book is live! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sarahhinlickywilson/seven-ways-of-looking-at-the-transfiguration Sarah discusses the significance of the Transfiguration and its importance in the church calendar. She explores the distinction between the transfigured Jesus and the risen Jesus, highlighting the unique characteristics of each. Sarah also delves into the misunderstood offer to build booths and its connection to the Festival of Booths. She examines t...
Jan 12, 2024•55 min
