Songs & Stories Podcast

There was an ugly and embarrassing thread on Twitter this weekend. Many of you observed it, and many participated in it. It was primarily in regards to the inclusion of Preston Sprinkle at BadChristian Con. Some feel that he is a bigot and his views are tantamount to violence and that BC is implicated by giving him the stage.    I (Matt) think it's a tragic look and insight into the negative side of a text-based, hyper-connected platform like twitter.  In order to try to rectify that, we have invited people from both sides of the argument to see if the vitriol is real, or just something that happens when we are behind our keyboards.      The guests today are BC Club members Adrian and Tierney, who were defending BC and also Stacey Midge who was a vocal opponent to BC's platform.   Links & Sponsors: badchristiancon.com badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com Honey: joinhoney.com/BADCHRISTIAN Wonderbly: wonderbly.com code BCPOD Stamps.com: stamps.com code BADCHRISTIAN  

Jake Meador, author of the article "Ecclesiology and the Zombie Pastors Problem," joins to discuss issues with pastors like Mark Driscoll (among others) coming back to ministry after being disqualified. Jake points out that the process of reconciliation between pastors and ministry is either to short and easy, or non-existent. We also announce the first BadChristian Conference, with featured guests Pete Enns, Jonathan Merritt, and other speakers, music by Emery, Kings Kaleidoscope, As Cities Burn, and more, and parities, semi-formal winter ball, panels, learning sessions, and lots of fun.   Links & Sponsors: badchristiancon.com badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com Brooklinen: brooklinen.com code BADCHRISTIAN MVMT: mvmt.com/BCPOD Lyft: lyft.com/BADCHRISTIAN

After months of self-discovery, Lecrae wrote his best and most honest album to date. White Evangelicals couldn't handle it though, and want him to stay in the safe lane they're comfortable with. #lecrae@yourchurch   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com Wonderbly: wonderbly.com code BCPOD Naturebox: naturebox.com/BADCHRISTIAN solidstate.merchnow.com toothandnailrecords.merchnow.com gospelsong.merchnow.com bec.merchnow.com

We've got a lot to talk about on this one. The bible isn't clearly against multiple sex partners, or at least not clear enough, laments Joey. Matt, Toby, and Joey lose a college friend way too early. Is sexual identity an overblown concept? How does society act as a software that keeps humanity in check?   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com MVMT: mvmt.com/BADCHRISTIAN Blue Apron: blueapron.com/BADCHRISTIAN

Toby's thoughts on psychics and their manipulation tactics ruffles Joey's feathers when he tried to extent the criticism to pastors. Matt makes a case for needing colorful characters in the world through an example of a keyed up hockey coach.   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com Wonderbly: wonderbly.com code BCPOD Stamps.com: code BADCHRISTIAN

It seems that these days everyone expects a consensus view from everyone else. That is nonsense. We suggest a nice dose of taking yourself and everyone else less seriously.  Take a deep breath and try to enjoy YOUR life and worry a bit less about other people's lives.   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com Phinehas Album "Dark Flag" Out Everywhere Nov 17th Honey: joinhoney.com/BADCHRISTIAN

Today we (Matt, Toby, and Joey) find ourselves in a conversation about the Biblical cannon, and if it is forever closed, and why we think it is or isnt.  If we're honest, it can't be as simple as, "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it."   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com BeachBody: test BADCHRISTIAN to 313131 ProFlowers: proflowers.com code BADCHRISTIAN Casper: casper.com

Many Atheists, Agnostics, and Christians, despite their stark differences, have the common ingredient of being “Ex-Evangelical.” Within the faith of Christianity, the scales have been tipped (credit the November 2016 Presidential Election) to cause a large sect of Christianity to bow out of evangelicalism. How important is it for this movement to grow? Self-identified nerd and Ph.D. in Russian history (Stanford), Christopher Stroop is an Ex-Evangelical and started the movement #EmptyThePews. He is a compelling voice for evangelicalism to pack its bag and go the hell back to where it came from. Matt’s eccentric personality is reflected in his parenting as he shares a story on his refusal to allow his daughter to comply.   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com Lyft: lyft.com/BADCHRISTIAN Indochino: indochino.com code BADCHRISTIAN

NewSpring Church, according to Toby's Damn News, has declining attendance and income due to its parting with founding Pastor Perry Noble, who is now getting a divorce. Is Perry a "bad guy?" Is he a victim? Either way, we wish him well, and truly feel bad for what he is going through. Toby can't stop eating Halloween candy, but wonders if Halloween traditions will go away soon.   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com Blue Apron: blueapron.com/BADCHRISTIAN Hubble: hubblecontacts.com

Cops escorted Pastor and author Jonathan Martin off the Liberty University campus during a JOHNNYSWIM show while he was hanging with his friends in the greenroom. He was banned for life from Liberty University for planning a prayer meeting and opposing Trump and Jerry Falwell Jr. What’s the condition of the church when opposing points of view aren’t even welcomed?  What role does authoritarianism play in the church?  Before any of this conversation starts, Matt and Toby dissect Joey’s current depressive state.   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com MVMT: mvmt.com/BCPOD Naturebox: naturebox.com/BADCHRISTIAN Casper: casper.com/BCPOD