Absurdity with Ryan Becker
159 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 53 ratingsExploring the absurd in faith, culture, and society, seeking to navigate what it means to be a Christian.
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Episodes
A49 Church Discipline and Restoration
August 13, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourTony and I chat about Church Discipline, what its purpose is, why it's done certain ways, and howe we believe it can be improved. Church Discipline is a hard topic, and no one likes being on either end of it, so how can we make it a more redemptive process? We also mention the SDA Church Manual here, which believe it or not, is available for all members to read FOR FREE. Check it out below: Check out the SDA Church Manual. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebo...
A48 Building Healthy Community
August 06, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourWhat are the hallmarks of an unhealthy community and a healthy one? How do we build a healthy community from unhealthiness and what will it cost us? Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A47 Pride and Why I'm Awesome
July 30, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourPride. A less-talked about sin that plagues churches and people everywhere. Tony and I talk about the difference between pride and arrogance, why pride is so hard to identify, and how it impacts our friendships and relationships. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A46 A Few of Our Favorite Things
July 23, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourTony and I battle morning voice and hay fever to talk about some of our favorite things about Adventism and being Adventist. We often discuss things we don't like that are happening and we wanted to highlight some of the awesome things that we experience within our denomination. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
A45 Mental Illness and Suicide
July 16, 2018 12:19 - 1 hourWARNING: This episode talks a lot about mental illness and suicide. If you are struggling with either of these, we encourage you to get help ASAP! Tony and I talk about mental illness, some of the ways it has impacted our lives, and the negative stigmas around both that prevent people from honestly talking about their struggles. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurd...
A44 Immigration is Controversial
July 09, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourLet's talk immigration. Is it talked about in the Bible? Do we have any obligation as Christians to talk about this issue on a policy level? Is it ethical? Tony and I attempt to answer these questions and share our own opinions on how we should regard and treat immigrants. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...
A43 Putting 'Fun' in the Fundamentals with TJ Sands
July 02, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourAdventism has 28 Fundamental Beliefs with a famous preamble setting them apart from creeds. While they explain what Adventists believe, how many does one need to believe in order to be considered an Adventist? Beyond that, how have they been misused, abused, and what is their proper place in the life of individual believers? TJ Sands is a pastor in Oklahoma and someone I met because of this very podcast! I'm excited to have him on as we dive into the Fundamentals and what they mean for all ...
A42 Sexism and Advocacy with Anna Bennett
June 25, 2018 00:00 - 1 hourAnna Bennett joins Tony and myself to talk about Sexism in the church, specifically how we experience it in the Adventist denomination. We also talk about how men can advocate for equality in ministry and can empower their female colleagues in ministry. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile, @mrsannabennett Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
A41 Adventist Exceptionalism with AJ Valcin
June 18, 2018 00:00 - 1 hourAJ Valcin joins me to talk about Adventist Exceptionalism! This is what happens when Adventists approach the rest of the world with an "us vs. them" mindset. So how has Adventist Exceptionalism affected our church? What's the remedy? Why is it so important to avoid this at all costs? Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
A40 Secular Vs. Sacred Smackdown with Henry Johnson
June 11, 2018 00:00 - 1 hourHenry Johnson joins me to talk about the line between secular and sacred! We talk the history of the terms, what they mean, and how they have impacted our church today. We also talk culture and how religion and society in general interact with culture. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A39 Fear of Failure
June 04, 2018 00:00 - 1 hourHow do you define failure? How do you deal with it and navigate it? What do success and failure teach us about ourselves and about others? Tony and I attempt to navigate some of this and things get a little bit more real than either of us expected. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A38 Healthy Boundaries
May 28, 2018 00:00 - 1 hourLet's talk about boundaries! What are they? Are they good? And what do boundaries, or a lack thereof, tell us about ourselves and each other? While we reference physical boundaries a bit, this episode is mainly talking about social and emotional boundaries as it relates to our well-being and value. Enjoy! Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about ...
A37 "This is Not Who We Are"
May 21, 2018 15:19 - 1 hourAny time a racist moment happens in a company or institution, their response is always some form of "This is not who we are!" Well, when is that not true anymore? At what point does that become exactly who you are, and how has this idea impacted the Adventist church's history? Join Tony and I as we attempt to figure some of this out! Also, let this be a friendly reminder that things expressed on this show are always opinions. We speak openly and honestly while knowing there is room for error....
A36 What is Worship?
May 14, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourTony and I talk about the meaning of worship in our modern-day Church services and Church life. We discuss what it means to worship, how it impacts our lives, and why leading people in worship needs to be an intentional matter. Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A35 Sex, Purity, & Innocence
May 07, 2018 16:00 - 96.3 MBTony and I dive into purity culture, some of the flaws in the way churches and families handle sex education (we believe) improperly. We talk about what it means to be pure and dive into if there is a difference between being pure and being innocent. We really hope this episode is freeing for some people and we are able to dispel some of the stigma around some of these topics. Warning to parents: If you have a small child with you, it might not be wise to listen to this episode with them pr...
A35 Sex, Purity, and Innocence
May 07, 2018 12:00 - 1 hourTony and I dive into purity culture, some of the flaws in the way churches and families handle sex education (we believe) improperly. We talk about what it means to be pure and dive into if there is a difference between being pure and being innocent. We really hope this episode is freeing for some people and we are able to dispel some of the stigma around some of these topics. Warning to parents: If you have a small child with you, it might not be wise to listen to this episode with them pres...
A34 Finding Unity and Reconciliation with Andrew Anobile
April 30, 2018 16:00 - 1 hourWelcome to the final part of our Michigan Recordings! Andrew Anobile, not to be confused with Tony, who regularly appears on Absurdity, is another one of my closest friends and someone who has been a powerful influence in my life. Today, we talk about Racism, Unity, Reconciliation, and Remittance. How can we find unity amidst different ideologies and different theological camps? Stay tuned for a special shoutout to one of our iTunes reviews at the end that really impacted me! Check out the ...
A33 Money Money Money
April 23, 2018 16:00 - 1 hourThis is part 4 of our Michigan Recordings.This week Tony and I talk about how the church handles money, asks for money, and just how transparent churches should be regarding their finances. We talk about some of the things that bother us and some things we would love to see change. The giveaway is still going on until May 1, 2018 at 11:59:59 PM! Listen to the episode for details on how to enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker, @tony_anobile Fac...
A32 Who Are You Trying to Reach?
April 16, 2018 16:00 - 1 hourThis is Part 3 of our Michigan Recordings. Tony and I talk about what audiences churches are catering to, the dangers of only playing to our own audiences, and what it means for each of us. This is a talk about ministry and one of the many things we believe can be done better in it. The giveaway is still going until May 1, 2018 at 11:59:59 PM! Make sure to enter (details in the podcast) for your chance to win! Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypo...
A31 Porn Stars are People, Too
April 09, 2018 16:00 - 56 minutesTony Anobile and I talk about Stormy Daniels' reception after her 60 Minutes interview, others in the sex industry who have faced unnecessary ridicule, and how we can regard and treat people better. I am running a giveaway until May 1, 2018! Make sure to listen to get the details on how to enter! Check out www.theleadpodcast.com for the new podcast I am working on! Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: ...
A30 Victim Shaming
April 02, 2018 16:00 - 1 hourI was in Michigan over Easter weekend and had the opportunity to record several episodes with Tony Anobile. This week's episode is talking about victim shaming and how it has impacted our culture. We also discuss the intent it's often done with, how it is usually accidental, and why we believe it is so harmful to do. Check out www.theleadpodcast.com for the new podcast I am working on! Music by Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theab...
A29 Adventism's Cling to Relevancy
March 26, 2018 16:00 - 45 minutesI look at 4 different examples of how Adventists (individually and corporately) jump on celebrities and the most basic media attention in order to justify our presence and relevancy. I also talk about why this is damaging and a potential reason for why this happens. The people I specifically reference on this episode I am not condemning, but I do think the way we treat these people is harmful for them and for us. Check out www.theleadpodcast.com for updates on my new podcast launching April...
A28 Leaving Faith with Jase Cara
March 19, 2018 16:00 - 1 hourThis week is the first episode in an ongoing series we will be doing called "Leaving Faith" where we explore the stories and experiences of people who have left Christianity. This episode, one of my best friends, Jase Cara, joins me as we stroll down memory lane to talk about his journey. his interactions with the Church since, and where he is now. As always, thanks to Justin Janetzko for our intro music. Twitter: @ryan180becker Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdi...
A27 I Wish You Would Man Up
March 12, 2018 16:00 - 1 hourTony Anobile joins me this week to talk about masculinity in 2018. We wonder if there needs to be a renewed conversation on masculinity and really what it means to be a man and have holistic masculinity. This conversation only scratches the surface and I will definitely be diving into this conversation again soon! NY Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/opinion/boys-violence-shootings-guns.html As always, thanks to Justin Janetzko for our intro music. Twitter: @ryan180becker Face...
A26 Let's Talk About Guns with Austin Holloway
March 05, 2018 00:00 - 1 hourA huge thank you goes out to Austin Holloway for being willing to just teach me about guns and dialogue a little about the state of the gun discussion in America. Austin has grown up around guns, is a concealed carry permit holder, and is a childhood friend of mine. I hope you learn something on this episode; I know I did! As always, thanks to Justin Janetzko for our intro music. Twitter: @ryan180becker Facebook: facebook.com/Absurditypodcast/ Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.co...
A25 Humans of Adventism with Kaleb Eisele
February 26, 2018 17:00 - 1 hourKaleb Eisele joins me this week to talk about the power of stories, how he has explored engaging in constructive conversation and learned how to listen, and how we can embrace stories better. Find Humans of Adventism at: adventisthumans.com or https://www.facebook.com/humansofadventism/ As always, thanks to Justin Janetzko for our intro music. Twitter: @ryan180becker Website: www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A24 Mission Mindsets with Tony Anobile
February 19, 2018 17:00 - 1 hourTony joins me again for a conversation about how our churches engage with our communities. Also included is the full audio from Southern's official response to the Racism on campus. Check out the video in the link below. SAU Racism Response Video: http://www.southern.edu/connect/diversity.html As always, thanks to Justin Janetzko for our intro music. Twitter: @ryan180becker Website: https://www.theabsurdity.org Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices...
A23 Addressing Racism at Southern Part 2 with Joëlle Kanyana
February 12, 2018 17:00 - 42 minutesFebruary 3, there was another racist incident on Southern's campus. I graduated from there in 2015, so I am no longer the one to have an insider's perspective, but I wanted to share the perspectives of those who were there. This is part 2 of our series on this topic and today's guest is Joëlle Kanyana! I would encourage you to listen to these conversations with the intent to understand and empathize and not the intent to dissect what these students are saying. These are their personal opinio...
A22 Addressing Racism at Southern Part 1 with Phillip Warfield
February 09, 2018 16:00 - 37 minutesFebruary 3, there was another racist incident on Southern's campus. I graduated from there in 2015, so I am no longer the one to have an insider's perspective, but I wanted to share the perspectives of those who were there. This will be a two part series, with episode 2 releasing Monday, February 12. I would encourage you to listen to these conversations with the intent to understand and empathize and not the intent to dissect what these students are saying. These are their personal opinions ...
A21 No Country for Single People
February 05, 2018 17:00 - 46 minutesTime for another solo episode! This week I dive into the marriage culture in the Adventist Church and how it has unintentionally left little to no space for single people. I also look at how this culture of expectation and marriage excludes particular groups of people. Thanks to Justin Janetzko for our Intro Music! Go check out our Patreon! Absurdity website: www.theabsurdity.org Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ryan180becker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A20.5 Birthday Episode! My Critical Adventism
February 02, 2018 16:28 - 33 minutesWelcome to this Special Birthday episode of Absurdity! I turn 25 today. I wanted to share a little bit about why I am an Adventist and why I criticize as much as I do. Thanks for listening! Thanks to Justin Janetzko for our Intro Music! Go check out our Patreon! Absurdity website: www.theabsurdity.org Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ryan180becker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A20 Music, Labels, and Christianity with Davis Absolute
January 29, 2018 17:00 - 40 minutesThis week Davis Absolute is on the podcast talking about his experience as an artist who also exists in the Christian subculture. I was really grateful for him taking the time out of work (occasionally you can hear a door close behind him because of it). I hope you'll enjoy what we talk about! We also talk about his new album, EDEN, which is available on Spotify, iTunes, and more! Go check it out! Thanks to Justin Janetzko for our Intro Music! Go check out our Patreon! Absurdity website: www....
A19 Fostering Dependency with Tony Anobile, Jr.
January 22, 2018 21:16 - 1 hourTony Anobile, one of my best friends, joins me to talk about how churches often stifle their members' growth by leaving them in a state of need and never letting them reach God's ideal for their lives and what we can do about it from all sides. In case anyone wonders why I sound different, I recorded the preliminaries with a totally shot voice and somewhat sick. Music: Justin Janetzko Twitter: @ryan180becker Email: [email protected] Find us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/absurditypodcast ...
A18 Regional Conferences, Racism, and Friendship with Evan Willis
January 15, 2018 17:00 - 1 hourThis week Evan Willis comes on the podcast to talk about Regional Conferences. Thanks to this being the first episode where we didn't use an episode outline, we get majorly off-topic! That's okay because this was an awesome conversation! Evan Willis will be back on to talk more about regional conferences soon! Music By: Justin Janetzko Don't forget to check out the Absurdity Patreon: www.patreon.com/absurditypodcast Amazon links for books referenced in this episode: Education and Independenc...
A17 When Leadership Falls Short
January 08, 2018 17:00 - 43 minutesOn this episode we dive into the recent GC Annual Council, what it means for us, and how we respond when leadership doesn't live up to its expectations. Thanks again to Justin Janetzko for our intro music! Check out Absurdity's official Patreon at www.patreon.com/absurditypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A16 Happy New Year! Stewarding Technology with Justin Janetzko
January 01, 2018 17:00 - 1 hourHappy New Year! We are back with new episodes, a brand new look, a new intro, a new podcast host in Blubrry, and new equipment! This week we have Justin Janetzko on the cast to talk about screen-time technology like phones, tablets, computers, and TVs, and the dangers of not stewarding technology well. This conversation challenged me personally and as a result, I've made some changes to my life that have resulted in a lot of positives. I hope the same is able to happen for you. Huge thanks to...
A16 - Happy New Year! Stewarding Technology with Justin Janetzko
January 01, 2018 17:00 - 1 hourHappy New Year! We are back with new episodes, a brand new look, a new intro, a new podcast host in Blubrry, and new equipment!This week we have Justin Janetzko on the cast to talk about screen-time technology like phones, tablets, computers, and TVs, and the dangers of not stewarding technology well. This conversation challenged me personally and as a result, Ive made some changes to my life that have resulted in a lot of positives. I hope the same is able to happen for you.Huge thanks to Ju...
S2A7 - Arguing Well with Anthony Bosman
December 06, 2017 17:57 - 1 hourThis week Anthony Bosman joins me to talk about arguing well. With the arrival of social media and a more connected world than ever, perhaps there is a need for re-examining how we argue with each other and recapture the beautiful growth that takes place when people argue well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2A8 - Season Finale! Misunderstood Miracles
December 06, 2017 17:57 - 38 minutesWelcome to the Finale of Season 2! In about a month we will return with some brand new things! In the meantime, go back and catch episodes you may have missed! This week, there is no guest. I talk about the Christian culture we have built around miracles and the danger of that culture. I dive into some popular miracles in Scripture and find a different perspective. I hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2A6 - Nonviolent Peacemakers with Luke Steen
December 06, 2017 17:56 - 1 hourLuke Steen has been on a pretty big journey lately. He is embracing the idea of Nonviolent Peacemaking. What is it? How does it work? How does it harmonize with the violence we find in Scripture that is seemingly God-ordained? Also, make sure to check out SWAYY Hammocks! Music by: www.bensound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2A5 - Selfish Mission Work with Ben Kreiter
December 06, 2017 17:56 - 1 hourJoin me as I talk with Ben Kreiter about Short-term Mission trips and disaster relief and how we may have poisoned our effectiveness by approaching them with a consumer mindset. We love mission work and we love missionaries. We just want to re-frame common dangerous mind-sets that have pervaded the short-term missions culture. Also, make sure to check out SWAYY Hammocks! Music by: www.bensound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2A4 - Becoming a Learner with Garrison Hayes
December 06, 2017 17:55 - 1 hourGarrison Hayes is our guest on the show this week. We talk about his experience with white supremacy, why he prefers to reframe the conversation around a different term than racism, and how everyone can approach this controversial issue more respectfully and effectively. In the episode, Garrison shares some helpful resources to educate yourself on today's topic, here are they are below: Film: I Am Not Your Negro (documentary) Books: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Tears We Cann...
S2A3 - What is a Salvation Issue? with Pastor Jeff Carlson
December 06, 2017 17:54 - 56 minutesThis week I have Pastor Jeff Carlson with me to talk about how we use the term "Salvation Issue" to deflect the importance of controversial topics. Join us as we talk about loving the "other side" better and exploring how we can better communicate in hard conversations. Jeff is no stranger to controversial issues and topics and is a good friend of mine. I am really excited for some of the future episodes we are collaborating on! I apologize for any audio issues! Turns out the mic was position...
S2A2 - Charlottesville, Racism, and Response with Zach Hunter
December 06, 2017 17:54 - 1 hourThis week, Zach Hunter joins me in a discussion about Charlottesville and racism in general. I am super excited to have him on the show and I can't wait for you to hear what we delve into a bit. We rant, rave, and make jokes about slow-cookers! Both of us are White American Christian men, and we acknowledge that plainly, so a lot of the discussion will be geared in that direction. There was a slight problem with the recordings, so I am sorry for any clicks, bumps, or pops you hear while we ar...
S2A1 - Listening Part 2 -- He Started It
December 06, 2017 17:53 - 27 minutesWe are back! In this week's episode, I explore three different ways we commonly cause damage to other people when we discuss controversial issues. I also explore some possible solutions in order to avoid these common pitfalls with others. I am also making the transition into doing these episodes in seasons. I want to make sure I am only producing episodes when I feel there is sufficient content to share, and I want to make sure I am balancing my personal life with my work life more effectivel...
A7 - An Absurd Seat
December 06, 2017 17:52 - 5 MBOn this week's episode I discuss the importance of being consistent and appropriate in protest and discuss some of the realities faced by those who are fighting for or against any cause. I discuss a bit of Colin Kaepernick's protest as well as other historical protests which had significant impact.
A6 - The Art of Listening
December 06, 2017 17:52 - 5 MBOn this episode I talk about the importance of really trying to listen and understand someone's experience rather than simply trying to prove them wrong. Social media takes away the benefit of nonverbal communication to help us understand each other, so we must be diligent and intentional to understand the experiences of others and ask why they may be saying something or doing something. Let's be quick to understand rather than quick to prove wrong. This is a shorter episode for ...
A5 - An Absurd Church
December 06, 2017 17:51 - 5 MBThis episode, Stephen Hall and I discuss how local churches can and should respond to social justice issues and tragedies that happen in and out of their communities. Shout-outs this episode go out to Eddie Cornejo, Angelo Grasso, Manny Arteaga of Kaleo SDA Church, Forest Lake Church, Florida Hospital Church, and Orlando North SDA for their practical actions taken in response to tragedies that have occurred around the country. We know others have responded positively as well, these...
A4 - An Absurd Gray
December 06, 2017 15:56 - 5 MBThis episode I dive into how we as a church can approach LGBTQ+ conversations in more contructive, practical, and sensitive ways. Ultimately, this subject isn't as clear-cut in Scripture as we want it to be, and that fact should lead us to be intentional and patient in how we approach a group that has long faced difficulty and rejection. I explore key harmful terms used by well-meaning Christians in conversations, I also discuss the historical context around Romans 1:26-27, one of ...
A3 - An Absurd Apathy
December 06, 2017 15:55 - 5 MBThis week I talk to an old friend, Jerome Masilamony, about the current climate regarding social reaction to issues and tragedy. It's important to find ways we can change that attitude and start to be bothered by what is going on around us.