Gravity Commons Podcast

As the year draws to a close, Christy, Ben, and Matt reflect on the year, Christmas traditions, gifts, and more.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The hosts review the progress of Gravity Commons this past year and share exciting plans for 2026, including Matt's upcoming sabbatical. They discuss balancing church work with podcasting, new classes on conflict resolution, and sexuality, highlighting their community's unique struggles and journeys. A look into past book clubs reveals deep discussions on theology and personal growth. The conversation ends with an emphasis on hope, spiritual formation, and upcoming in-person gatherings designed to foster deeper connections.

Zach Lambert, the lead pastor and founder of Restore Austin, dives into transformative ways to read the Bible. He discusses the harmful interpretations that have marginalized communities and shares insights from his book, emphasizing healing over judgment. Zach introduces four healing lenses for scripture that prioritize compassion and context. He shares powerful stories of individuals moving from anger to healing and urges readers to engage with scripture in diverse, humble communities. This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of reclaiming the Bible's life-giving message.

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, a musicologist and correspondent for Christianity Today, and Marissa Franks Burt, a novelist and teacher, explore the pitfalls of evangelical parenting literature. They discuss the historical roots of the 'Christian parenting empire' and critique its ideologies, which promote authority and obedience at the expense of empathy. The duo shares insight on how punitive approaches can harm family relationships and suggests ways to foster healthier parenting, encouraging parents to seek alternatives that prioritize connection over control.

Ronald W. Pierce, a theologian with decades at Talbot School of Theology, and Karen R. Keen, a biblical scholar and spiritual care provider, explore a fresh approach to LGBTQ acceptance in the church. They discuss the importance of appreciative dialogue over debate, aiming to model civility in contentious discussions. Ron shares how he holds a traditional view while promoting respectful engagement, while Karen recounts her transformative journey to an affirming perspective. Together, they emphasize love and humility as essential to navigating deep differences.

White boys and men are dangerous, AND white boys and men are struggling. By far, most large-scale mass shooters are white men, AND white men also die by suicide more often than any other demographic. We talked about this issue with journalist, mother, and pastor Angela Denker, who wrote Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, a sensitive, searing, and unsparing look at the rise in radicalization among young white men in America, especially focused on the role of right-wing Christianity in the increase of religious-based hatred and violence.Rev. Angela Denker is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the silver winner in political and social sciences for the 2019 Foreword Indies Book of the Year awards. She is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and Fortune magazine. She has also appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR. Pastor Denker lives with her husband, Ben, and two sons in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian nationalism and its theological and cultural roots.You can connect with Angela and her work at her website: angeladenker.com.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Philip Christman, an author and essayist teaching at the University of Michigan, discusses the intersection of Christian faith and leftist politics. He argues how the Sermon on the Mount calls for solidarity, making the case for progressive political engagement. Christman challenges the notion that church charity can replace political action, emphasizing the need to address systemic injustices. He highlights the importance of naming enemies to clarify commitments and critiques capitalism’s impact on work, urging a reexamination of motivations beyond mere survival.

Dr. Paul T. Sloan, an Associate Professor of Early Christianity and author of Jesus and the Law of Moses, challenges the common view that Jesus dismissed the Law of Moses. He argues that Jesus actually aimed to restore the covenant, rather than abolishing it. The conversation explores how Protestant interpretations have misconceived the role of Torah, and how Jesus’ teachings align with broader Jewish thought. Sloan also addresses the complexities of Jesus' actions on the Sabbath and implications for Gentiles in the context of the Law.

We talked with Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar about how prayers, rituals, and liturgies help to sustain movements for social change. Their book We Pray Freedom is full of prayers, resources, and stories that grew out of communities committed to abolishing poverty.Dr. Charon Hribar (Cha-Ron Reebar) is a visionary leader, musician, and scholar. She serves as the Director of Cultural Strategies for the Kairos Center and Co-Director of Theomusicology and Movement Arts for the Poor People's Campaign. With over two decades of experience, she empowers leaders and integrates rituals and arts into organizing efforts.Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis is the Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religion, Rights and Social Justice and co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. She teaches at educational institutions across the country, including Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Episcopal Divinity School in Austin, Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and more.SHOW NOTES:We mentioned Liz Theoharis's book Always With Us? What Jesus Really Said About the Poor.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We talked with theologian Hanna Reichel about their book For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional, which is a guide for ordinary Christians seeking to live faithfully in our era of political polarization, eroding democratic norms, and rising authoritarianism. It is a timely resource for believers seeking spiritual grounding amid societal upheaval.Hanna Reichel is Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Raised an ecumenical Lutheran, Reichel serves as a ruling Elder in the PC(USA) and on the Theology Working Group of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Their work has won academic honors, including the Lautenschläger Award for Theological Promise and the Ernst Wolf award.Connect with Gravity Commons:Leave us a message or ask a question about this or any other episode and we'll answer it on a future episode.Join the Gravity Community to interact with other listeners, and get our list of curated links each week to all things edifying and interesting.Are you interested in advertising on the Gravity Podcast? Contact us at podcast@gravitycommons.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/gravity-leadership-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy