Cocktails with Beers
167 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago -Matt is a pastor in Maryland. Merry is professor of history. We get together in this virtual happy hour to chat about issues in Christianity and culture, as well as current events and trending issues. We are a married couple who try to keep things fun and light hearted as we banter about things as dumb as women wearing leggings or as serious as the war in Ukraine.
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Episodes
Militant Masculinity & Evangelical Christianity
January 24, 2022 13:58 - 57 minutes - 66 MBMatt and Merry conclude their two part series on the role of women and men in American Evangelical Christianity. Last week, we covered the women, and this week we turn toward the men. We read Kristin Kobes Du Mez’s book called Jesus and John Wayne. In it, she talks about how the secular ideas of what it means to be a man have been largely adopted by American Evangelical Christianity. What has risen is an interesting blend of Christianity/ American Nationalism defined by aggression and mi...
What the Bible Says about Women. The Making of Biblical Womanhood Review
January 17, 2022 14:32 - 1 hour - 81.9 MBWhat is the role of women in our society today? Some think that women should be just as free as men to choose to do what gives meaning to their lives. Others think women are subordinate to men, that women belong in the home being mothers and submissive wives. Then, there are those who are called "complementarians," who believe in divinely assigned family and societal roles for both men and women. We chat about all this as we discuss a new book called The Making of Biblical Womanhood. And...
Year in Review. What can we say? 2021 was a year.
December 30, 2021 02:31 - 32 minutes - 37.6 MBMatt and Merry chat about the good things that happened this year, and we wonder how your year went. What are three positive things you experienced this year. That can be tougher than you think, especially two years into our current pandemic. We also look forward to what 2022 has to offer.
Cocktails with Beers. Xmas Beers Edition. Gingerbread Stout, Peppermint Porter, and Sugar Cookie
December 24, 2021 02:19 - 36 minutes - 41.5 MBMatt and Merry try three cookie flavored and Christmas themed brews. We try Guiness' Gingerbread Stout, Southern Tier's Frosted Sugar Cookie, and Lexington's Bourbon Barrel Peppermint Porter. Along the way, we discover that everything tastes good when accompanied by a big plate of cookies.
Cocktails with Beers. Xmas beers edition. Southern Tier & Great Lakes Brewing
December 21, 2021 17:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MBMatt and Merry taste Southern Tier's 2xmas Double Ale and Great Lakes Brewing's Christmas Ale. This should be interesting considering that Matt has an aversion to ginger ever since he had that run in with pickled ginger at a restaurant. He'll tell the story, and we'll figure out if either of these two beers are worth precious room in you stomach this Christmas.
Cheesy Christmas Movies #4. Dear Christmas
December 19, 2021 17:00 - 55 minutes - 63.3 MBMatt and Merry chat about the 2021 Christmas movie called Dear Christmas. A woman who has a podcast about love and relationships has never found true love herself. But this year, when she goes home for the holidays it finds her. She keeps bumping into an old classmate, Chris Massy, aka Mr. Christmas. And what did we think of this movie? We'll tell you all about it. Along the way, we chat about holiday office parties, local productions of the Nutcracker, and who makes the best spicy chi...
Cocktails with Beers: Christmas Beer Edition
December 15, 2021 12:00 - 22 minutes - 25.6 MBMatt and Merry try some seasonal beer favorites. This week, we try Victory's Merry Monkey and Troeg's Mad Elf. Both are Belgian style ales brewed with all things Christmassy.
Cheesy Christmas Movies #3: The Santa Stakeout
December 12, 2021 19:58 - 56 minutes - 64.8 MBMatt and Merry chat about the new made-for-tv Christmas movie “The Santa Stakeout.” We got a winner on this one. Joey Pantoliano didn’t disappoint, and neither did the rest of the crew. In short, we loved it, and we’re gonna tell you why. Along the way, we tell you how the Festival of Trains went, something called Santa Con, and the most famous actor to have appeared in a made-for-tv movie.
Cheesy Christmas Movies #2. A California Christmas. The cheese has gone bad on this one.
December 05, 2021 17:00 - 57 minutes - 65.5 MBMatt and Merry review a popular Christmas movie from last year called A California Christmas. We are flabbergasted as to how this movie is so popular. It even has a sequel! Even the mouse in our house stopped watching 30 minutes in, and he loves cheesy things. The only thing we can think of is that the protagonist is a soap opera star who removes his shirt often, and the love interest wears daisy dukes, even when working in s@#$ stompers. A brave fashion choice. This is proof of how lo...
Cheesy Christmas Movies #1. Love Hard. The Sexy Catfish
November 29, 2021 15:58 - 59 minutes - 68.4 MBMatt and Merry chat about one of a 2021 made-for-tv cheesy movie release called Love Hard. A woman unlucky in love tries to find love on a dating app. None of the dates goes very well. Then, she falls head over heals for a guy named Tag. But when she meets him, he hilariously looks nothing like his picture. Predictably, they end up falling in love in the end. Along the way, we also chat about our Thanksgiving meal, why Advent gets in the way of Christmas, and how hard it is to celebrat...
Left Behind #3. Jesus the Holy Terror. Infancy Gospel of Thomas
November 21, 2021 19:28 - 51 minutes - 59.2 MBMatt and Merry talk about the Infancy Gospel of Jesus. This book was written as early as the 2nd century CE, and claims to be stories from Jesus' childhood from his own brother. You might think that Jesus was a little angel, but he was kind of a brat. We share some of these stories, and try to figure out why people wrote and published them. Along the way, we chat about a flavored coffee creation, Christmas themed beers, and a weird show airing on the Smithsonian Channel.
Left Behind #2. There's Something about the Gospel of Mary
November 15, 2021 02:51 - 56 minutes - 65.1 MBMatt and Merry talk about a lost gospel discovered in the 20th century, the Gospel of Mary. They chat about who Mary was, why the book was written, and the ancient debates it reveals among the early Christian communities. Along the way, they talk about the joys of home ownership when things start to break, and about getting ready for Christmas.
Left Behind #1. Gospel of Thomas
November 08, 2021 02:34 - 55 minutes - 63.1 MBMatt and Merry start a new series where we look at books that didn't make it into the Bible. This week, we chat about the Gospel of Thomas. Along the way, we chat about beef, bonfires, cigars, and the resurgence of Abba.
The conservative church. Why people leave and where they go
November 01, 2021 02:22 - 58 minutes - 66.7 MBMatt and Merry talk about the recent exodus from conservative evangelical churches. Why do people leave, and where do they go? Along the way, we chat about running across the Chesapeake Bay, trick or treating, and our awesome family costume theme.
Believing is Seeing
October 25, 2021 01:51 - 41 minutes - 47 MBMatt and Merry reflect on the story of Jesus healing a blind man. What did it mean back then when the blind received sight, and what does that mean for us today? Along the way we chat about what happens when pumpkins stay outside too long, our halloween costumes, and a strange new take on Joshua’s battle for Jericho.
Abundance vs. Scarcity. Examining and changing our attitude.
October 18, 2021 15:31 - 41 minutes - 47.7 MBDo we live in a world that provides abundantly for everyone, or in a world where resources are scarce? Matt and Merry examine humanity's "default position," a mindset of scarcity. This leads to unnecessary conflicts, divisions, and self-imposed suffering. We chat about how developing a mindset of abundance may not only improve our own quality of life, but also of those around us. We then lean on the promise of God that creation produces resources in abundance so that all people can have ...
Selling your way into heaven
October 11, 2021 02:27 - 47 minutes - 54.2 MBMatt and Merry chat about a strange saying by Jesus about how we can get eternal life. Sell everything?! Along the way we talk about the confusing world of social media, classes on Zoom, and meeting a few people from Palestine.
Star Wars. A Parable?
October 04, 2021 02:59 - 59 minutes - 67.8 MBStar Wars a parable? If Jesus was here today, would he have used the popular movie series to communicate deeper truths? Matt and Merry think so. We chat talk about how we can use popular stories of today the way Jesus used popular stories in his day. Along the way, we chat about pumpkin patches, hay rides, and winning money at a casino.
A modern telling of the Good Samaritan.
September 27, 2021 02:38 - 47 minutes - 54 MBMatt and Merry chat about quarter auctions, sick days, and what a modern retelling of the story of the Good Samaritan might look like.
Did Jesus have a wife?
September 20, 2021 02:49 - 50 minutes - 58.1 MBDid Jesus have a wife? Years ago, a professor at Harvard claimed to have found an ancient book that claimed he did. Matt and Merry chat about the strange story of this discovery. Along the way, they chat about one of their first dates, doppelgängers, and #toddlerlife.
Sibling Rivalry #3: Jacob and Esau Reconcile?
August 23, 2021 14:33 - 43 minutes - 50.1 MBWhat do you picture when you think of two people being reconciled? This week, Matt and Merry talk about what reconciliation is, what it looks like, and how people who can’t stand being around each other may still be reconciled. Along the way, they talk about carpeted grocery stores, flowriding, and why they never exchange anniversary gifts.
Sibling Rivalry #3
August 23, 2021 14:33 - 43 minutes - 50.1 MBWhat do you picture when you think of two people being reconciled? This week, Matt and Merry talk about what reconciliation is, what it looks like, and how people who can’t stand being around each other may still be reconciled. Along the way, they talk about carpeted grocery stores, flowriding, and why they never exchange anniversary gifts.
Sibling Rivalry #2. Facing your fears.
August 16, 2021 13:15 - 43 minutes - 50.1 MBMatt and Merry continue their series about the complicated relationship between two brother, Jacob and Esau. This week, they are locked in a feud, and Esau has vowed to kill his brother the next time he sees him. So, Jacob runs away to his Uncle Laban’s house, and he stays there for 14 years. While there, he finds the love of his life, and becomes immensely wealthy. But now, he is ready to return home, face his fears, and try reconciling to his brother. Along the way, Matt and Merry cha...
Sibling Rivalry#1. Small but Mighty
August 09, 2021 03:14 - 45 minutes - 51.5 MBMatt and Merry begin 3 part series about Esau and Jacob from the book of Genesis. Esau is set to inherit his father’s wealth and position in the family. But Jacob has ambition, and he wants to be top dog. What happens when these two brothers clash over who will succeed their father? Along the way, they chat about Chinese vegetables, co-op farms, and the uncanny ability of Merry’s family to make new friends.
What was it like when Jesus preached
August 02, 2021 14:50 - 44 minutes - 50.4 MBBeware the lone and solitary voice behind a pulpit. The Good News of God is heard most in community—in conversation, in discussion, in debate, in interaction—that is where the voice of God echoes loudly. Matt and Merry chat about what is was like when Jesus preached, and how it may have been very different than what we see in churches today. Along the way, they talk about petting zoos, giraffes, how to get better at golf, and why “mansplaining” should be renamed “aggressive sharing."
Vacations, Golf, and Sleep
July 12, 2021 02:30 - 28 minutes - 33 MBMatt and Merry chat about how to plan an unplanned vacation, the ever changing sleeping habits of toddlers, the impossibility of ever gettin good at golf, and the cool thing coming up on the podcast in the next few months.
Exiles #6. A new heaven and a new earth for today as much as for tomorrow.
July 05, 2021 02:20 - 39 minutes - 45.7 MBMatt and Merry wrap up their series, Exiles, by talking about God’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth, and how this promise is as much about today as it is about tomorrow. Along the way they chat about chocolate eggs, princess birthday parties, and Independence Day the movie.
Exiles #5. How should we respond when we experience our own exile moments.
June 28, 2021 14:53 - 39 minutes - 45.3 MBMatt and Merry continue their series, Exiles, by focusing on the experience of the ancient Israelites who lived under Roman Occupation. We reflect on the ways the ancient people resisted Rome, and reflect on how the things we do today help or hurt our chances of emerging from our own exile moments in life. Along the way, we chat about our first visit to a restaurant in over a year, having people over to our house, and seeing family for the first time in a while.
Exiles #4. It’s ok to be sad.
June 21, 2021 13:41 - 41 minutes - 46.9 MBSometimes life can be tough, and we find ourselves fighting with feelings of sadness and grief. Our culture tends to devalue these feelings, and encourages us to push them away or push them deep down inside. Matt and Merry take a look at some of the laments that appear in the Bible, chat about dealing with our negative emotions, and the importance of praying our laments as a spiritual practice. Along the way, they talk about running 5k’s, having team spirit, and the sore muscles that come...
Exiles #3. What's the Point of Prayer?
June 14, 2021 13:32 - 33 minutes - 38.9 MBPr. Matt and Merry chat about the purpose of prayer. Why do we pray? What’s the point? They look at the story of the ancient Israelites escaping from Egypt by crossing the Red Sea. How did they pray so many years ago, and what does that teach us about how we ought to pray today? Along the way, they talk about forgetting what’s on the calendar, bird songs, and the start of Pr. Matt’s brand new avian congregation.
Exiles #2. Exiled from Eden.
June 07, 2021 13:56 - 39 minutes - 45.4 MBMatt and Merry continue their series, Exiles. This week, they talk about the Adam and Eve story, and how they managed to lose paradise. But they weren't victims. They chose to know the difference between right and wrong. What are the consequences? From their time to ours, when we choose to do the wrong thing, we lose a little bit more of paradise, and feel exiled from ourselves, each other, and from God. Matt and Merry reflect on the power we have to make the world a better place when ...
Exiles #1. All because of one road.
June 01, 2021 17:44 - 36 minutes - 42.1 MBMatt and Merry begin a new series called Exiles. They will take a look at the exile experiences of the Ancient Israelites, where they found hope in it all, and what we can take from that today. They start off by looking at an important road that made ancient Israel an important piece of land to control. While that seems like good news for them, it was quite the opposite. Year after year they were left wondering why they were always under the thumb of a foreign power, and where God was th...
Raised to Life #7. Simple Steps for Changing the World
May 24, 2021 13:21 - 46 minutes - 53.2 MBPr. Matt and Merry wrap up their spring series, Raised to Life, with some reflections on seemingly small events that changed the world. They draw some parallels between these things and the small things we do today, and encourage us to trust that God is changing the world through us, even through the seemingly small things we do everyday. Along the way, they share the fashion genius of their daughter, bring-your-own-toilet-paper culture of Taiwan, and a new use for fanny packs.
Raised to life #6. Good things come to those who...hustle?
May 17, 2021 00:22 - 32 minutes - 37.3 MBSome say that good things come to those who wait. But those good things are usually what’s left behind by those who hustled. Matt and Merry chat about this proverb, and what this has to do with the tradition that Jesus’ resurrection happened exclusively in Jerusalem. Along the way, they chat about yacht clubs, pirate cruises in the Chesapeake Bay, and classic rock cover bands.
Raised to Life #5. A Chicken Biscuit Moment. The resurrection tradition in Galilee.
May 10, 2021 13:56 - 45 minutes - 52.1 MBPr. Matt and Merry chat about two resurrection traditions in the Bible. One happens in Jerusalem, and the other in Galilee. This week, they focus on Jesus’s resurrection appearances around the Sea of Galilee. Along the way, they talk about Mother’s Day, popcorn poppers, and an unexpected and life changing event that happened in the drive-thru of a Chick-fil-A.
Raised to Life #4. What is salvation all about?
May 03, 2021 13:02 - 49 minutes - 56.4 MBPr. Matt and Merry chat about what salvation is all about. Why was Jesus’ tomb empty? Why did he appear to his followers? Was it all for eternal life? Or is something else going on here? We look at the Gospel of John to help us understand God’s emphasis on saving and transforming our lives and our world here and now on this wide of eternity. Along the way, we chat about birthdays, the appropriate amount of gifts to get, and the glories of ice cream cake.
Raised to Life #3. Jesus comes to life today through you.
April 26, 2021 20:22 - 34 minutes - 39.2 MBPr. Matt and Merry look at Jesus’ resurrection through Luke’s gospel, and they ask where Jesus is alive for us today. They look at a story called The Road to Emmaus, where Jesus is revealed to a couple people who share a meal together. Turns out, that Jesus is still alive today through communities that share a meal together in his name—Indeed!—Jesus is alive through you. Along the way, they chat about food allergies, hospital visits, and show us how to use an excessive amount of sports an...
Raised to Life #2. Faith and Doubt Go Together Like Campfires and S'mores.
April 19, 2021 14:26 - 43 minutes - 49.3 MBMatt and Merry dive into the resurrection in Matthew's gospel account. But, before they get there, they chat about softball teams, kickball leagues, and making real the dream of Living Water's new mascot, The Fightin' Crabs. Then, they chat about Jesus appearing in Galilee to his followers. Some of them trusted in Jesus' movement even after he had to leave them, but some doubted and hesitated. They look at how for almost everyone who has ever existed, faith and doubt go together like PB&...
Raised to Life #1. The Greatest Cliffhanger ever Told
April 12, 2021 14:29 - 35 minutes - 40.2 MBMatt and Merry kickoff their series, Raised to Life. This week, they talk about the Jesus’ resurrection account from Mark. Along the way, they chat about a few popular cliffhangers from books and movies, reading on planes, and they come up with a great mascot for members of Living Water.
What keeps God up at night? Remembering the empty tomb.
April 04, 2021 04:30 - 32 minutes - 37.4 MBMatt and Merry chat about what worries them in life, and about people's ultimate concern. They then ponder about what God worries about, and what God's ultimate concern is. They talk about all of this through the lens of Jesus' resurrection, and the report of the empty tomb on Easter morning.
Good Friday. Telling the Story.
April 02, 2021 04:30 - 38 minutes - 44.6 MBWe tell the story of Good Friday with musical meditation.
Being a 21st Century Church #6. The Rev. James Retallack comes on to shoot the breeze
March 29, 2021 13:53 - 53 minutes - 61.5 MBMatt and Merry sit down with long time colleague and friend, Rev. James Retallack. Both Matt and Jamie have a few years under their belts being regular, Joe 6-pack, pastors at your local church. So, they sit down to chat about what it means for the local congregation to remain relevant and continue to make an impact in the life of the average person and community, so that the good news we all have to share will never go silent.
Being a 21st Century Church #6.
March 29, 2021 13:53 - 53 minutes - 61.5 MBMatt and Merry sit down with long time colleague and friend, Rev. James Retallack. Both Matt and Jamie have a few years under their belts being regular, Joe 6-pack, pastors at your local church. So, they sit down to chat about what it means for the local congregation to remain relevant and continue to make an impact in the life of the average person and community, so that the good news we all have to share will never go silent.
Being a 21st Century Church #5
March 22, 2021 13:38 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBPr. Matt and Merry sit down with the Rev. Dr. Fred Lehr, author of the book Becoming a 21st Century Church. We look at the reforms the church goes through every 500 years, and how we are due for one now. We also chat about how congregations can better partner with the communities where they are situated, and finding ways to do something "with" others instead of "for" others. Dr. Lehr also talks about those who have had no religious afiliation for generations, and how many folk could be ca...
Being a 21st Century Church #5: Interview with Rev. Dr. Fred Lehr
March 22, 2021 13:38 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBPr. Matt and Merry sit down with the Rev. Dr. Fred Lehr, author of the book Becoming a 21st Century Church. We look at the reforms the church goes through every 500 years, and how we are due for one now. We also chat about how congregations can better partner with the communities where they are situated, and finding ways to do something "with" others instead of "for" others. Dr. Lehr also talks about those who have had no religious afiliation for generations, and how many folk could be ca...
Dark Night #5. Jonah gets eaten by a fish.
March 17, 2021 21:04 - 19 minutes - 21.9 MBPr. Matt takes to the airwaves solo for our final installment of our Lent 2021 series, Dark Night of the Soul. This week, we focus on Jonah. He's the guy who was eaten by a fish and survived! His dark night is a wee-bit self imposed. There's something about God he simply can't accept. We look at the little bit of Jonah that is in all of us, and search for the hope and good news in his story for each one of us.
Being a 21st Century Church #4
March 17, 2021 01:47 - 49 minutes - 56.7 MBPr. Matt and Merry sit down with Rev. David Shank, Assistant to the Bishop for Development in the DE-MD Synod of the ELCA, to chat about developing into a 21st century church. Indeed, we talk about how the church is emerging in a new era, but we also chat about the nuts and bolts of it all. What is the practical side of being a 21st century church?
Being a 21st Century Church #4: Interview with Rev. David Shank, Director of Donor Relations and Development at the DE/MD Synod of the ELCA
March 17, 2021 01:47 - 49 minutes - 56.7 MBPr. Matt and Merry sit down with Rev. David Shank, Assistant to the Bishop for Development in the DE-MD Synod of the ELCA, to chat about developing into a 21st century church. Indeed, we talk about how the church is emerging in a new era, but we also chat about the nuts and bolts of it all. What is the practical side of being a 21st century church?
Being a 21st Century Church. The Rubber Meets the Road
March 15, 2021 20:21Pr. Matt and Merry sit down with Rev. David Shank, Assistant to the Bishop for Development in the DE-MD Synod of the ELCA, to chat about developing into a 21st century church. Indeed, we talk about how the church is emerging in a new era, but we also chat about the nuts and bolts of it all. What is the practical side of being a 21st century church?
Dark Night #4. Naomi and Ruth
March 10, 2021 18:00 - 21 minutes - 24.9 MBPr. Matt and Merry continue our mid-week Lent 2021 reflections, Dark Night of the Soul, by focusing on the troubles experienced by both Noami and Ruth. You can find their story in the book of Ruth in the Hebrew Bible. A four chapter rom-com, yet it is quite serious in the hope that is found in the relationship between two friends who are loyal to each other even unto death. What can Noami and Ruth teach us today about ourselves and our God?