This episode is a bit of a different format as we bring together two moms and their daughters to talk about life, faith, and growing up in what would be considered conservative Christian homes. What was positive about it? What wasn’t helpful? There is much to be said about what it was like raising children within that framework and what it felt like growing up in it. We would suggest grabbing a cocktail, or a cup of tea, and probably some tissues as you listen.

Mid-April is a good time to release this episode of the Cupboard that was recorded on January 22nd, 2020. A hosts only episode in which we talk about helpful truths, terrible sorrow and some of the best most ridiculous things ever.

You can hear in our voices the “time before” the 2020 pandemic. How different do things sound already? You can hear pointed out the emptiness of the “prosperity gospel” that continues to be a blight upon the theological landscape in our time of pandemic and is beginning to directly cost lives.

In evangelical circles, sanctification has often been more about self than it has been about God. As a theologian, Jeff outlines a healthier view of sanctification from the theology of Karl Barth (and from Christian Scripture). The concept is that as we are justified in Christ, so we are sanctified in Christ, not of our doing. This means that we are not better than anyone, not divided from anyone by our faith.

If you like your hell, that is, if you are convinced it is entirely un-Christian to believe in anything other than eternal damnation (Hart calls you an “infernalist”) then listen to this episode only if you are okay in engaging with thought and interpretation that is different than yours. Then again, you want people who don’t agree with you to listen to you sometimes.

If you have struggled with trying to reconcile a God of love, as shown in Jesus Christ, with the idea of eternal damnation for anyone at all, then listen expectantly.

As we traveled to record an episode of the Cupboard, we listened to our Prime Minister advise that “If you can stay home, stay home”. So maybe we won’t be gathering for some time. At least not in person.

We are in the midst of, at the beginning of, the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic…

We speak with Dr. DuMerton about her work helping moms who struggle with addiction and judgment and fear, to bond with their young children.

We speak with Hillary about purity culture, scrupulosity, mental health and body image, changing views from one generation to the next.

At the All Saints of North America Orthodox Monastery in Dewdney, BC we gather to speak with David Goa. David has said things to us like;

“My goal is to convert evangelicals to Jesus” and “Most people are better than their theology”.

At the All Saints of North America Orthodox Monastery in Dewdney, BC we gather to speak with David Goa. David has said things to us like;

“My goal is to convert evangelicals to Jesus” and “Most people are better than their theology”.

Friends of the Cupboard gather in the Advent Season.

We talk about the Rankin Bass Christmas specials, particularly the weirdest ones.

Dr. Richard Topping joins us to discuss Christian Education in general and Theological Education specifically. Can we invite even a small number of people (whether they are students or not) to commit to the intellectual aspect of faith?

We speak with Jenn about how most of our metaphors for witness and mission are traditionally masculine and even military in nature.

We speak with Jason around the topic of polarization in the Christian Church and around the topic of Christian faith being expressed against the world.

Why is music and worship both engaging and infuriating? And why is it that what can be engaging for me can be infuriating for you?

What is hopeful about worship? How can music and singing be an essential expression of Hopeful Gospel?

The Cupboard welcomes Dr. Ross Lockhart from St.Andrew’s Hall, UBC. He has travelled the world, but keeps finding his way back to Ireland. Oh, and a note that is great for podcasting – Ross is perhaps the best dressed professor or minister in town.