Barefoot to Emmaus artwork

Barefoot to Emmaus

105 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

Not your grandpappy's theology podcast.
Two barefoot seminarians.
One vision for a new kind of theology.
What could go wrong?

Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes

86: Trinity

November 29, 2023 19:19 - 1 hour - 178 MB

The paradox of the Trinity is as complicated as it is beautiful and important to Christian theology. In this episode, Byron and Char explore the theology of the Trinity, including heresies, the reflections of wise patristics, and Byron and Char's own reflections on this mystery. Definitely a deep and compelling episode worthy engaging.

85.5 Israel-Palestine Synopsis

November 17, 2023 04:37 - 4 minutes - 4.6 MB

The summary episode on Israel Palestine.

85: Israel-Palestine

November 17, 2023 03:59 - 1 hour - 42.2 MB

In the midst of the current escalation of the conflict in the Israel/Palestine area, Byron and Char attempt to humbly offer some reflections on the long and complex history of the region as well as some theological comments at this sensitive moment.

84.5: Self-Awareness Synopsis

November 16, 2023 17:13 - 4 minutes - 9.73 MB

Synopsis episodlet on the paradox of self-awareness.

84: The Paradox of Self-Awareness

November 04, 2023 19:36 - 1 hour - 157 MB

In this more personal, therapeutic conversation, Char processes what they call "the paradox of self-awareness" - the investment in self-understanding leads to a perceived inability to be seen by others (or even yourself). We hope this conversation offers you something to mull on in your own journey of self-knowledge and vulnerability.

83.5: Spooky Theology Synopsis

October 28, 2023 06:06 - 6 minutes - 6.04 MB

Synopsis summary of episode 83 on Spooky Theology

83: Spooky Theology

October 28, 2023 05:48 - 1 hour - 59 MB

Char and Byron's Halloween episode for this year. Ghost sharks, magic, and all sorts of other spooky questions about the diverse and mysterious spiritual realities around us.

82.5: Seminary Wrap-Up Synopsis

October 19, 2023 15:32 - 2 minutes - 2.17 MB

Summary of episode 82 on our reflections on Seminary as we transition out.

82: Seminary Wrap-Up

October 19, 2023 15:16 - 1 hour - 84 MB

Byron and Char reflect on the last three years of seminary as things draw to a close or at least a transition. Favorite classes, things we've seen each other grow in and more. (Don't worry we will have more episodes, this is not the end.)

81.5: Mental & Spiritual Health Synopsis

October 12, 2023 14:07 - 7 minutes - 6.98 MB

Our synopsis recording on the episode on mental and spiritual health.

81: Mental & Spiritual Health

October 12, 2023 13:55 - 1 hour - 170 MB

The mind and heart are often conflated with the spirit in practice, when it comes to theology and the role of a minister regarding spiritual care. Join Byron and Char as they discuss the distinction of mental health from the spiritual and the importance of a psychotherapeutic lens for holistic wellbeing.

80.5 Feminist Christology Synopsis

October 02, 2023 02:00 - 6 minutes - 5.78 MB

This is our summary episodelet about Feminist Christology asking questions about Jesus' mediation of gender. For more, check out the full episode.

80: Feminist Christology

September 30, 2023 14:39 - 1 hour - 64.2 MB

Byron and Char respond to a listener question about Jesus' gender. Could Jesus have come as a women, Could Jesus' masculinity have meant he was culpable of the social sins of patriarchy from a liberationist lens? Might Jesus actually have been a woman and it was covered up? All this an more in this intriguing episode.

79.5: Asceticism Synopsis

September 16, 2023 15:22 - 7 minutes - 6.5 MB

Synopsis of our episode on asceticism.

79: Asceticism

September 16, 2023 15:19 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

Asceticism is a strongly misunderstood practice within many modern Christian circles. Join Byron and Char as they dive into the rich history and unpack the theological significance of practices like fasting and even martyrdom. CW: This episode touches on themes of extreme violence and sexual assault. The first portion (before the midway theme music) is without such content if you want to listen but avoid potential triggers.

78.5: Avatar Synopsis

August 30, 2023 17:39 - 6 minutes - 6.2 MB

Synopsis to our episode on Avatar the Last Airbender.

78: Avatar the Last Airbender

August 30, 2023 17:37 - 51 minutes - 48.6 MB

For some the best show on earth, Avatar contains rich themes related to colonialism, violence, identity... and of course spirituality. Join Byron and Char as they explore this show for the brilliant gift that it is to us all.

77: Duality

July 25, 2023 16:11 - 1 hour - 161 MB

This was a challenging one, folks. Byron and Char wrestle through the nature of our self-conception and God-thoughts within the framework of duality: does the self exist in distinction from the other or is this a delusion? Is God truly Other, or do these boundaries limit our ability to understand how we relate to (or within) the Divine? This conversation is a bit more esoteric than usual, but it's a great discussion that will surely leave you thinking.

76.5: Comparative Mythology Synopsis

July 11, 2023 11:16 - 7 minutes - 7.37 MB

Brief overview of the episode on Comparative Mythology.

76: Comparative Mythology

July 11, 2023 11:13 - 1 hour - 62.8 MB

How unique is the christian God? Functionally do we think of God as a deity, a being, a really powerful alien, a force, something ontologically distinct? Dive in with Byron and Char to some OLD stories from early Pre-Jewish beliefs and see how some of what the Bible might point to has some interesting similarities with early myths from other religions and cultures. Explore the Chaos-Kampf, the mythological struggle between the divine sky-father storm god and the chaotic sea serpent.

75.5: Embodiment Synopsis

May 30, 2023 21:43 - 9 minutes - 8.9 MB

Synopsis episodlet on embodiment with Wesley Rowell.

75: Embodiment (feat. Queen Queer Mother Wesley STEVEN Rowell)

May 30, 2023 14:57 - 1 hour - 141 MB

Hallmarking the end of three years at Princeton Theological Seminary, Byron and Char interview classmate and soul friend Wesley Rowell on the topic of embodiment. They discuss reconnecting with our childhood selves, full integration of all our parts without shame, and share the joy of their friendship.

74.5: Blended Family Synopsis

May 05, 2023 03:55 - 5 minutes - 4.81 MB

Synopsis episodlet on blended family with Eli Henry.

74: Blended Family

May 05, 2023 03:33 - 1 hour - 158 MB

Guest interview with Princeton MDiv/MSW 3rd year Eli Henry, where they describe the beautiful web of their blended family and the significance of this context on their personal and theological development. We discuss adoption and adoptionism, as well as the significance of family to identity.

73.5: Eucharist and Sacraments

April 21, 2023 20:37 - 6 minutes - 5.91 MB

Summary episodelet on Sacraments and Eucharist.

73: Eucharist and Sacraments

April 18, 2023 20:50 - 1 hour - 64.4 MB

Char and Byron take some time to dig into the theology of the Christian Sacraments, specifically the Eucharist, Communion. What is the history and theology behind it? What are the necessary features? Who can take it?

72.5: Ash Wednesday and Lent Synopsis

March 28, 2023 17:42 - 59 seconds - 939 KB

Our synopsis on the episode on Ash Wednesday and Lent.

72: Ash Wednesday and Lent

March 28, 2023 17:29 - 45 minutes - 43.3 MB

Byron and Char in the middle of lent take a step back to Ash Wednesday and the disciplines of fasting and devotion. Join us as we explore our experiences and theologies of the quiet time before Easter.

71.5: Gender 2 Synopsis

March 19, 2023 00:56 - 10 minutes - 9.92 MB

Our synopsis of our second episode on gender.

71: Gender 2

March 19, 2023 00:17 - 1 hour - 178 MB

In a never-before-occurrence, Byron and Char post a recorded conversation they were having on a Tuesday night like any other. It dives DEEP into the questions of gender - what it is, how it can be simultaneously identifying and unifying, and so much more. Join us for this tantalizing follow-up to "Gender 1"!

70.5: Gender 1 Synopsis

March 06, 2023 03:02 - 8 minutes - 20.2 MB

Synopsis Episodlet on Gender 1!

70: Gender 1

March 06, 2023 01:48 - 1 hour - 174 MB

Char and Byron dive into a DEEP topic this week, exploring the implications of gender as a social construct, hegemonic masculinity, gender essentialism, and so much more. This is an excellent place to take a plunge into some very existential questions!

69.5: Kink/BDSM Theology Synopsis

February 23, 2023 18:59 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MB

This is our summary episodelet as we talk with guest McKenzie Costello, a fellow PTS student with some great thoughts on Kink and BDSM Theology. Yes it get's weird, but we cover a lot of good ground on things like pleasure, consent, incarnation, community, and more. Is Jesus the ultimate power bottom? Join this week's Barefoot to Emmaus Podcast to fuck around and find out.

69: Kink/BDSM Theology

February 23, 2023 18:17 - 1 hour - 58.6 MB

Join Byron and Char as we talk with guest McKenzie Costello, a fellow PTS student with some great thoughts on Kink and BDSM Theology. Yes it get's weird, but we cover a lot of good ground on things like pleasure, consent, incarnation, community, and more. Is Jesus the ultimate power bottom? Join this week's Barefoot to Emmaus Podcast to find out. 

68.5: All Things in Common Synopsis

February 18, 2023 23:30 - 7 minutes - 18 MB

This year, we're starting something new - a brief 5-10 synopsis of each episode, if you have interest but don't have the time for a full hour. This is on our episode interviewing Roman Montero on his book, "All Things in Common: The Economic Practices of the Early Christians."

68: All Things in Common feat. Roman Montero

February 18, 2023 23:17 - 1 hour - 155 MB

Intentional community and radical economics are central to Char's passion and theological imagination. Today, Char and Byron interviewed author Roman Montero regarding his groundbreaking book, "All Things in Common: The Economic Practices of the Early Christians." You won't want to miss this riveting discussion! Make sure to also check out Montero's work at https://romanamontero.wordpress.com/

67: Karl Barth

February 09, 2023 20:22 - 1 hour - 53.5 MB

Karl Barth is a major figure in Reformed Theology. People talk about him a lot and Byron took a class on him recently. Take a listen to hear some basics of what he was all about. 

66: Anger and Forgiveness

December 29, 2022 18:01 - 57 minutes - 132 MB

Can anger be a good thing? Are we required to forgive? Char and Byron explore the nature of anger and forgiveness, and their theological bases in this episode.

13: Wonder in the Mundane

December 21, 2022 00:33 - 59 minutes - 31.1 MB

Char and Byron discuss the meaning behind their new benediction: May you find wonder in the mundane, hope amidst the chaos, and comfort in the love that makes you you. Go in Peace. 

65: The Problem of Evil

December 17, 2022 06:27 - 1 hour - 58 MB

Char and Byron tackle one of the biggest questions in theology, the problem of evil. There are a few good answers, a few bad ones, and at the end of the day maybe no answer will completely satisfy this heart-rending conundrum. Why is there evil in the world? Does God allow it? Does everything happen for a reason? Join us to find out!  

64: Hegemony

December 09, 2022 17:16 - 1 hour - 180 MB

Byron and Char dive deep into a topic that has been at the fore of our consideration for some time - how do we understand the hegemonic imagination that shapes our very subconscious? More so, how do we challenge and subvert its influence? Join us as we wrestle with questions like these in this week's discussion.

63: Youth Ministry

November 22, 2022 14:39 - 1 hour - 61.9 MB

Byron and Char have both been very involved in youth ministry for a while. Listen today as we discuss some of our own background and thoughts on what makes youth ministry great, and some things that don't work well. Special shoutout to Scott Gronholz from https://tinyurl.com/nosmallthing 

62: Image of God

November 02, 2022 22:08 - 1 hour - 138 MB

If you've been a long-time follower of B2E, you know that the image of God is frequently an important reference point for our theology. Here, we break down the question specifically: what does it mean to be made in the image of God? Join us for this deeply important pondering. 

61: Satan

October 12, 2022 23:01 - 1 hour - 68.3 MB

Who and what IS Satan? How does what we believe about Satan or the devil affect what we think about God? What actually is Satanism? Join us as we delve into some of these important and fascinating questions and more! 

60: Heavenly Bodies

October 11, 2022 14:23 - 1 hour - 155 MB

It may seem an odd thing to wonder - why does it matter what our bodies are like after we die? But these questions have tremendous implications for the nature of God and the nature of God's creation, what is considered "whole" or "good." If those questions tickle your fancy, join us for an hour of deep talks!

59: Youth Prison Chaplaincy

September 30, 2022 04:28 - 1 hour - 75.6 MB

Byron explains what he did all summer working with incarcerated teenagers for a chaplaincy internship. Some interesting lessons and interactions in the face of pretty tough circumstances. 

58: Revolution

September 19, 2022 13:33 - 58 minutes - 133 MB

In a world wrought with systemic and structural injustice, are we in need of revolution? Is it the call of the Church to be involved in the revolution? Join Byron and Char as they wrestle with these questions.

57: Age

September 06, 2022 00:17 - 1 hour - 77.1 MB

Char and Byron touch on the idea of Age, youth, and maturity. Join us as we ask some questions: What is Wisdom, does it invariably come with age, what does Jesus mean when He says to be like a child, how might Jesus have related to the idea of coming to an end, and is it the fact that we have an end at all that gives this all meaning? 

56: Sexual Shame

August 24, 2022 15:10 - 1 hour - 205 MB

In an earlier season, we recorded an episode on the spiritual significance of shame. In this episode, Byron and Char explore the unique nature of sexual shame and its impact on our freedom. 

55: Philosophy of Education

August 07, 2022 08:54 - 1 hour - 92.8 MB

Byron and Char try to wrap up a semester of thoughts from Byron's Philosophy of Education course. What IS a philosophy of education? Why do we need them? Why can't we avoid them? We look at some benefits and limitations of Existentialism, the theology of Martin Buber, and more.