Saving Faith with Eric Sentell of the Backyard Church Blog
243 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsSaving Faith deconstructs Christianity to reconstruct a faith that works. Eric Sentell, regular contributor to the popular Backyard Church blog, tackles tough theological questions and interviews amazing guests. Past interviews include Kristen Kobes du Mez (Jesus and John Wayne), Beth Allison Barr (The Making of Biblical Womanhood), Jared Byas (Love Matters More) John Williamson (The Deconstructionists Podcast), and many more.
Saving Faith was formerly "Metamorphosis: Sharing the Love of Jesus." Contact [email protected] with feedback, suggestions, or guest recommendations.
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Episodes
Saving Faith Finale
June 19, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.66 MBSaving Faith thanks all the listeners and guests since it launched (under the name Metamorphosis) in March 2020. While future episodes are unlikely, existing episodes will continue to be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. Thank you, and God bless. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews gue...
A Gay Methodist Pastor Tells His Story - An Interview with Rev. Keith Turner
June 05, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBWhat's it like to fear losing your job -- nay, your calling -- because of your sexual orientation? Reverend Keith Turner answers that question, and more, in this episode. Read Keith's powerful essay, "My Church Finally Caught Up to Me: A Gay United Methodist Pastor Tells (Most of) His Story." Then read Keith's insightful response to "sincerely-helf beliefs," "Critique of Sincere Belief." Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to recons...
Tom Oord for Real! - An Interview with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord
May 29, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 36.4 MBLast episode, Eric tried to recreate Tom Oord's answers. This episode, listeners get the real deal! Tom graciously agreed to come back for another conversation. We talk about "God After Deconstruction," "Why the Church of the Nazarene Should Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming," and Tom's other faith-transforming, life-changing ideas. Check out ThomasJayOord.com. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to ex...
"God Can't" and other life-changing ideas with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord
May 22, 2024 09:00 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MBDr. Thomas Jay Oord's latest book, "God After Deconstruction," helps religious "nones" reconnect with God. Learn more about Dr. Oord's work at ThomasJayOord.com. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a re...
A Gay Ex-Pastor Asked People Why They Left Christianity - Here's What They Said
May 15, 2024 09:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBWhy are people leaving Christianity? Why not ask some of those people. Brandon Flanery, author of the spiritual memoir "Stumbling," surveyed his social media following and analyzed the responses to find out why people are leaving Christianity. The results are both unsurprising and surprising. Learn more about Brandon and his writing at BrandonFlanery.com. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to ...
Israel, David French, and Campus Protests
May 01, 2024 14:25 - 20 minutes - 25.3 MBIs David French right that colleges tolerate protests from "preferred groups" but not other groups? No. No, he's not. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog,...
Generative AI and the Future of Work and Faith
April 17, 2024 09:00 - 29 minutes - 35.8 MBHave you heard of ChatGPT, or have you been living under a rock? In this episode, Eric reflects on the analysis of Daniel Susskind, author of "A World without Work," and how AI might change the way we work both outside and inside the church. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary...
Late Have I Loved You - An Interview with CCM Legend John Michael Talbot
April 03, 2024 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28 MBJohn Michael Talbot is a multi-platinum selling, Grammy / Dove award winning Contemporary Catholic Christian Music pioneer. He joins Eric to talk about his 59th album and 38th book, both titled "Late Have I Loved You." John shares some of his remarkable spiritual journey, including multiple mystical experiences. Learn more about John Michael Talbot's books, albums, and ministries at: https://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/ https://littleportionbakery.org/ https://www.inner-room-school.org/...
But God Can - An Interview with Becky Kiser
March 27, 2024 10:00 - 56 minutes - 41.4 MB"But God Can: How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully and Abundantly" will help you get unstuck and pursue the spiritual purpose and abundance that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus. Eric chats with its author, Becky Kiser, an author, podcaster, and ministry leader who is passionate about inspiring women in their faith and daily lives. You don't have to be enough, Becky says, because God is already more than enough. Find the book and Becky's other work at: https://www.beckykis...
Reconstructing Faith: A Better Relationship to the Bible
March 20, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 20.2 MBMany people have a difficult relationship to the Bible. This episode offers some practical advice for rebuilding that relationship. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popula...
Reconstructing Faith: Listening to Experience
March 06, 2024 10:27 - 17 minutes - 18.9 MBWhat has experience taught you about God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit? Experience is an important part of both deconstructing and reconstructing faith. Experience causes the former, but it can also help with the latter. In this episode, Eric explores how experience can help rebuild a stronger faith and reflects on the Apostles following their experience instead of their scriptures and traditions. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to rec...
Reconstructing Faith: The People Who Inspire You
February 14, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.92 MBIn this episode, Eric talks about the Christians who inspire other people to become, or remain, followers of Jesus. Leave a review and share who inspires your faith, or post a link to this episode to social media and share your faith inspiration. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian comme...
Have You Experienced the Supernatural?
January 31, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 20.7 MBWhen reconstructing faith, experience of the supernatural - the part of reality beyond our senses and measurements - can open us up to the limits of human perception and knowledge and, thus, open us up to God. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and ...
Reconstructing Faith in 2024: What's Your Core Belief?
January 10, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 11.5 MBFaith deconstruction is a necessary part of maturing one's faith. But how do you reconstruct faith? Based on personal experience and conversations with other Christians, Eric suggests beginning the journey by focusing on your "core belief" that helps you firmly believe in God no matter what. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sen...
Keeping Our Promises - A Conversation with Kim Jenne about LGBTQ Inclusion
December 06, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBKim Jenne returns! She gives us an insider's perspective on the United Methodist Church's ongoing debate about LGBTQ inclusion and shares some of her personal theology on the topic. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day...
How Missouri Methodists Are Addressing Race - An Interview with Kim Jenne
November 29, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 37 MBThe Race and Culture project of Missouri's United Methodist conference is working toward racial reconciliation and inclusion. Kim Jenne shares some of that project's work and resources in this conversation on Saving Faith. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks t...
Choosing Gratitude this Thanksgiving
November 22, 2023 10:31 - 8 minutes - 6.5 MBGratitude is a choice. Eric shares his struggles witih choosing gratitude and offers a prayer for Diana Butler Bass to help us choose to give thanks this Thanksgiving. Grateful by Diana Butler Bass The Cottage newsletter by Diana Butler Bass Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commenta...
Grief, Mourning, and Emotional Resurrection - An Interview with Ron Greer, Author of The Quiet House
November 15, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB"Suppression leads to depression. Expression leads to emotional resurrection." Ron Greer helps us mourn devastating loss in his book, "The Quiet House," and in this interview on Saving Faith. Greer speaks from 40 years of experience in pastoral counseling, as a father who lost a young son, and as a husband who recently lost his wife. Get "The Quiet House" at his church's bookshop, at his website, on Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. ************* Saving Faith creates space for Christians: ...
Nice Churchy Patriarchy - An Interview with Liz Jenkins
November 08, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 26.7 MB"Nice Churchy Patriarchy" is still patriarchy, is still harmful to women and men, and is the title of Liz Jenkins' book. In this interview, Jenkins shares some of her experiences of church patriarchcy and discusses why and how Christians should change patriarchial structures. PRE-ORDER "Nice Churchy Patriarchy" at Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble Connect with Liz Jenkins at her website or on Instagram ************ Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful b...
Israel-Hamas, Christianity, and Just War Theory
November 01, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 29.2 MBWhen is war moral or immoral? Christianity's "Just War" tradition offers insights into that difficult question. Eric references the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Just War Theory throughout this episode. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, an...
Israel, Hamas, Violence, and the Problem of Evil
October 25, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 33.7 MBHow can Christians, who follow a preacher of non-violence, respond to the self-defensive war of Israel against Hamas? How can they make sense of the Israel-Hamas War and the problem of evil? Eric Sentell tries his best. Saving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theo...
Introducing Saving Faith
October 18, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 10.4 MBSaving Faith creates space for Christians: to deconstruct harmful beliefs and attitudes; to reconstruct a faith that works; and to explore how they can follow Jesus in today’s world. Host Eric Sentell interviews guests, offers Christian commentary on events, talks theology, and riffs on following Jesus day-to-day. He is a regular contributor to the popular Medium blog, "The Backyard Church," and a moderator for the blog's online community. Contact Eric at [email protected]...
Changes Coming to the Podcast
October 13, 2023 09:05 - 3 minutes - 2.57 MBEric talks about making some changes to revamp Metamorphosis and build its audience. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at [email protected] Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist Church, Piedmont, MO
Disobedient Women - An Interview with Sarah Stankorb
September 27, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 75.9 MBIn the National Bestseller, "Disobedient Women" journalist Sarah Stankorb tells the stories of the women who uncovered abuse in Evangelical communities through their bloggin, social media, and online communities. Sarah shares with Metamorphosis some of these stories and her analysis of the theology and structure that lead to abuse. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. ...
Shannon Kearns' Transgender Journey through Life and Scripture
September 20, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 39.5 MBShannon Kearns is the author of In the Margins: A Transgender Man's Journey through Scripture. He shares some of his faith and trans journeys and explains how a trans (or queer) lens can illuminate scripture for everyone. Check out Shannon's book at www.shannontlkearns.com as well as Shannon's podcast and other work at QueerTheology.com. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s li...
22 Years After 9-11 and America's Lack of Humility
September 13, 2023 09:00 - 15 minutes - 11.8 MBMonday was the 22nd anniversary of the 9-11 Terror Attacks. In the years since, many religious and political communities have hardened their beliefs into absolutism: all-or-nothing, in-or-out, right-or-wrong. This kind of absolutism eliminates the room for nuance, complexity, and compromise. But epistemic humility can reverse the trends. Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s live...
What Do U.S. Christianity and the Gnostic Heresy Share? An Interview with Jon Ward?
September 07, 2023 21:42 - 53 minutes - 33.2 MBDoes American Christianity have some heretical tendencies at its heart? Does it over-emphasize emotion and hyper-spiritualize life to the point of Gnosticism? Those are some of the questions that Jon Ward explores in this episode and in his book, "Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Failed a Generation." Metamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Learn more about...
When Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Other Holidays Are ... Complicated
June 12, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 23.8 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. For many people, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and holidays are joyful occasions. But for some, these days are very complicated. Eric names this reality and reflects on his struggles and efforts as a father. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at [email protected] Podcast Author: T...
Eric Ruins the Sermon on the Mount
June 05, 2023 09:00 - 59 minutes - 61.5 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" is arguably his most famous speech. It's super-familiar to Christians. But has it become so familiar that we overlook what Jesus was really getting at? Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at [email protected] Podcast Author: Trinity United Methodist ...
What Can We Do for the 60% of Teen Girls Who Feel Hopeless?
May 29, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 33.2 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a 2021 study of high school students. 60% of teen girls reported feeling "sad or hopeless." 30% reported "seriously considering" suicide. What can we do? Eric has ideas. Time Magazine: Teen Girls Report the Highest Levels of Sadness and Sexual Violence in a Decade Learn more about Trini...
Why is the largest denomination in America declining suddenly?
May 22, 2023 21:00 - 38 minutes - 39.9 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest protestant denomination in the United States. Yet the SBC has lost half a million members in the last year and 3 million since 2018. Why? Eric has thoughts. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at [email protected] Podcast Author: Tr...
Eric Ruins Genesis 1-3
May 08, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 80.7 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Eric ruins Genesis 1-3 by describing how he interprets it symbolically, not literally. He describes the history of the literal interpretation of the Bible and explains the strong reasons for a non-literal interpretation. In the second half of the episode, Eric breaks down Genesis 1-3 verse by verse and suggests different interpretations...
Eric Ruins the Bible
May 01, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 58.8 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Eric "ruins" the Bible in this episode. He uses examples from the Bible itself to show that the Biblical authors were inspired, but their writing is not inerrant, infallible, a rule book, or life's instruction manual. Rather, the Bible, in Eric's view, is a source of wisdom and an invitation to conversation with God and fellow believers...
Trans Issues and Christianity - An Interview with Austen Hartke
April 17, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 53.3 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Many people have very strong feelings right now about trans people. But how many trans people do we know? How many trans people have we listened to, read, or learned from? In this episode, Eric interviews Austen Hartke, author of Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians. Austen is also the founder and executive d...
Resurrection, Bodies, and Quantum ... Entanglement?
April 10, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 28.2 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Happy Day After Easter! Last episode, Eric talked about how Christians tend to focus so much on the Crucifixion but not enough on the Resurrection. In this episode, he reflects on how Jesus' bodily resurrection shows that God cares about our bodies as well as our spirits. Jesus' ministry shows that God cares about our physical, social,...
Why We Should Focus More on the Resurrection This Easter
April 03, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 25.7 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Atonement theories try to explain how sinful humans can be reconciled to a sinless, holy God. Christian atonement theories center around Jesus' death on the cross. But is the Resurrection of Jesus actually the more significant part of the equation? In this solo episode, Eric discusses the popular atonement theories, Penal Substitution...
How Churches Fail to Help Spiritual Growth
March 20, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 45.5 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Could it be that half of self-identified Christians don't imitate Christ because too many organized churches don't actually want them to grow spiritually? Eric shares and comments on an essay from former-pastor-turned-blogger, Dan Foster, called "The 10 Reasons Church Won't Help You Grow." Listen to the previous episode, "Research Sho...
Research Shows that Half of Christians Aren't Christ-Like
March 13, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 30.4 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Eric shares and comments on a recent essay by pastor-turned-blogger Dan Foster, called "Research Shows that Following Christ Makes You Less Like Christ." Research by George Barna, founder of the Christian survey/polling firm The Barna Group, shows that 54% of self-identified Christians do not agree with statements that reflect the attit...
A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into the Podcast
March 06, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 50.9 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Randy Knie and Kyle Whitaker, cohosts of the podcast "A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into a Bar," share their faith journeys and their perspectives on Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity. Randy pastors at Brew City Church in Milwaukee. Kyle's website is robertkwhitaker.com. Their podcast is available wherever people listen to podcasts...
Improving How Christians Talk to Each Other - An Interview with Mark Hackett
February 27, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 51.7 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Mark Hackett is the Executive Director of Operation Broken Silence, a nonprofit that helps teachers and healthcare workers in Sudan to provide and improve services. Mark also writes about Christianity. He comes on Metamorphosis to talk about his work with Sudan as well as a recent essay he wrote about "Christian Discourse." This wide-ra...
What's the Harm in Christian Nationalism? Um, Idolatry.
February 20, 2023 10:00 - 48 minutes - 50.9 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. What is Christian Nationalism? What's wrong with it? Eric discusses a new survey on Christian Nationalism that reveals alarming attitudes about religion, government, and political violence. Then he describes the problems of heresy, idolatry, and violence that arise from the ideology of Christian Nationalism. To learn more about the ...
What is Spiritual Intelligence and How Do You Get It?
January 30, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 37.5 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Eric presents an essay by Australian blogger Dan Foster, called "Understanding the Power of Spiritual Intelligence: How It Changes Your Life." He reads through this thought-provoking, super-helpful essay based on the book, "SQ" by Harvard professor Danah Zohar, and he pauses a few times to expand on some points in light of his own exper...
Radical Inclusion at Restore Austin - An Interview with Zachary W. Lambert
January 23, 2023 10:00 - 56 minutes - 52.3 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Eric interviews Zachary W. Lambert, the lead pastor at Restore Austin in Austin, TX. Zach shares his unique spiritual journey from being kicked out of youth group to becoming a pastor. He describes his church's efforts to reach the "dechurched" and unchurched through creating an inclusive, open, and healthy community. You can watch Rest...
Recovering from Religion - An Interview with Dustin Arand
January 16, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 35.4 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Dustin Arand is a writer on Medium who caught Eric's attention with a recent essay in which he mentioned a group called "Recovering from Religion." Dustin and Eric discuss his faith journey, the group, and the dynamics that make such a group (sadly) necessary. Dustin's writing can be found at https://dustinarand.medium.com/. His book,...
Church History - Augustine, Jesus, and Salvation
January 10, 2023 10:00 - 54 minutes - 57 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. This episode concludes our series on the first five hundred years of church history. Eric summarizes previous episodes to refresh your memory and then discusses St. Jerome's contribution to Biblical translation; St. Augustine's influential ideas about free will, original sin, and predestination; the Council of Chalcedon tripling-do...
Advent Hope from Resurrection
December 19, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutes - 39 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. This episode focuses on the hope Christians have thanks to bodily resurrection. It may seem strange to talk about Jesus' resurrection at a time of year when we focus on Jesus' birth, but Jesus' birth sets in motion the life and ministry that ends with death and resurrection. How does the Bible depict resurrection? How does this vision o...
Church History - Heretics!
December 12, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Eric is excited to bring you one of the nerdiest episodes yet. He explores three prominent heresies in the early church, where they came from, and how the church's leaders evaluated them. The beliefs we take for granted today did not always exist. The church had to determine its beliefs and doctrines. Competing ideas may seem crazy to...
Church History - A.D. 64-70 Christian Persecution and Jerusalem's Fall
December 05, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutes - 43.7 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. In A.D. 64, Emperor Nero blamed the massive fire of Rome on the Christians. Thus began persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Or did it? The reality is more complicated and nuanced than our popular historical imagination. In A.D. 70, the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. This contributed to the distinction of Chri...
Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric and the Q Club Shooter
November 28, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 53.2 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. Jesus taught that we would know "false teachers" by their fruit. Paul describes the "fruit of the flesh" as immorality, division, and violence. The "fruits of the spirit" include love, compassion, gentleness, and self-control. Eric argues that anti-LGBTQ rhetoric has produced the rotten fruit of violence against LGBTQ people. Rhetor...
The First 500 Years of the Church - 62 A.D. Paul's Final Journey
November 07, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.6 MBMetamorphosis is the podcast of Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont, Missouri, where we share the unchanging love of Jesus to change people’s lives. In Paul's final missionary journey, he testifies in Roman courts to his experience of Jesus. We learn about the final stage of his ministry and reflect on the whole of his ministry to both Jews and Gentiles. Learn more about Trinity UMC in Piedmont, MO, at www.umctrinity.org Contact Eric at [email protected] Podcast Author:...