Red Weather Christians
51 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsJen and Steve chat about growing up in the Christian community -- and growing out of the Christian community. This podcast chronicles their disillusionment, analyzes their commitment to the complicated faith called Christianity, and explores how to be better humans regardless of religion. This is Red Weather Christians.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
S4E3: A Guy and a Backpack
January 27, 2024 14:17 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBA guy, a backpack, a different guy, a strawberry yogurt, a girl, a sweater, Jen, and Steve. What could go wrong? Or you might ask, WHAT COULD GO RIGHT? Lots of fun stories on this episode, so get ready to laugh along as you listen. Got a feel-good story? Share it with us! References: Lidl The Marginalian "Head Full of Doubt" Lyrics The Artist's Way Let's keep the conversation going! [email protected], [email protected], @jknapp_jk, Steve Knapp on Facebook
S4E2: Asking for Friends
January 04, 2024 19:51 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBSometimes, asking humans to be good gives them a chance to be good. Join Jen and Steve as they figure this out -- all through the simple question: Will you be my friend? References: The Hidden Life of Trees Yep, We Moved to Spain Why We're Not Crazy for Moving to Spain Let's keep the conversation going! email: [email protected] & [email protected] Instagram & X: @jknapp_jk Facebook: Steve Knapp
S4E1: Crosswalks
December 20, 2023 10:02 - 31 minutes - 29.6 MBJen and Steve are back, this time from Spain! This season they are finding stories that restore faith in humanity, and on Episode 1, it's all about crosswalks in Spain -- among other updates. So hop on the crosswalk and join them as they cross the street without getting run over by a car. Let's keep the conversation going! email: [email protected] & [email protected] Instagram & Twitter: @jknapp_jk Facebook: Steve Knapp
SS5: Origin Story Part 5
July 02, 2023 15:29 - 27 minutes - 32.4 MBThis is our poolside podcast summer series! It's like a beach read -- for your ears! In this limited series, Jen and Steve tell their origin story, including lots of shout-outs to those people who were around when it all began. Grab your headphones, beach towel, and cold drink; head to the pool; and enjoy! Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
SS4: Origin Story Part 4
July 02, 2023 15:22 - 28 minutes - 33.2 MBThis is our poolside podcast summer series! It's like a beach read -- for your ears! In this limited series, Jen and Steve tell their origin story, including lots of shout-outs to those people who were around when it all began. Grab your headphones, beach towel, and cold drink; head to the pool; and enjoy! Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
SS3: Origin Story Part 3
July 02, 2023 15:14 - 31 minutes - 36.9 MBThis is our poolside podcast summer series! It's like a beach read -- for your ears! In this limited series, Jen and Steve tell their origin story, including lots of shout-outs to those people who were around when it all began. Grab your headphones, beach towel, and cold drink; head to the pool; and enjoy! Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
SS2: Origin Story Part 2
July 02, 2023 13:13 - 37 minutes - 44.8 MBThis is our poolside podcast summer series! It's like a beach read -- for your ears! In this limited series, Jen and Steve tell their origin story, including lots of shout-outs to those people who were around when it all began. Grab your headphones, beach towel, and cold drink; head to the pool; and enjoy! Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
SS1: Origin Story Part 1
July 02, 2023 12:58 - 33 minutes - 39.9 MBWelcome to our poolside podcast summer series! It's like a beach read -- for your ears! In this limited series, Jen and Steve tell their origin story, including lots of shout-outs to those people who were around when it all began. Grab your headphones, beach towel, and cold drink; head to the pool; and enjoy! Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
S3E14: The Final End
February 07, 2023 01:25 - 42 minutes - 47.7 MBIt's the last episode of the season and possibly of the podcast, so listen to Jen and Steve talk, again. This time around they focus on what drives, motivates, and inspires people to act. In the tradition of Thomas Aquinas' categories of final ends, discover and, perhaps, understand decisions in a whole new light. Whether it's eating spicy chicken wings for enduring glory or brazil nuts for your health, Jen and Steve talk about why we do what we do. The Art of Choosing What to Do With Your ...
S3E13: Reminiscing and the Rewards of Regret
January 26, 2023 02:13 - 42 minutes - 47.3 MBWho doesn't love a trip down memory lane when it involves highlights from your own life? Well, Jen and Steve do, and they hope you'll enjoy it, too. Listen in as they discuss some of their accomplishments in life and what the motivations behind them were. Spoiler alert, it's not always the certificate of achievement that drives people to attempt and complete goals in life. And believe it or not, a life with some regret may be just what is needed to inspire change. HOMEWORK -- With a partner...
S3E12: Vacations, Schmacations, and the Art of Leisure
January 15, 2023 15:34 - 30 minutes - 34.4 MBWhen we finally get around to taking a vacation, why is it so much work? Can we change the narrative on vacations and really enjoy them? And what if we can't take a conventional vacation? Jen and Steve discuss these questions and more in reference to their recent adventure to the Galapagos and tackle the bigger question of how we can take time off in this life to rejuvenate -- even without a vacation. Also discussed: how "time off" could actually mean waking up out of the hibernation of the m...
S3E11: Moral Panic! (at the disco)
December 08, 2022 02:54 - 34 minutes - 36.5 MBI started to panic about what to write in the episode description, so I didn't write anything. Enjoy the episode! Share with friends! And don't panic. ~Jen (Steve fell asleep with the 3-year-old) Let's keep (calm and carry on) the conversation! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
S3E10: Don't Be a Binary Bot
November 22, 2022 02:51 - 29 minutes - 33.2 MBWhich is better, vanilla or chocolate soft serve ice cream? But wait! It doesn't have to be a binary option -- you can get the twist cone! Jen and Steve discuss how humans prefer binary choices even while doing so limits one's own mental or spiritual development. Bringing together excerpts from memorable books, even some Shakespeare, they analyze what dreams may come when they let go of traditional either/or scenarios. Imagine a scenario where the question being asked has an answer outside o...
S3E9: Good Enough Isn't Good Enough (except when it is)
November 09, 2022 00:31 - 33 minutes - 37.3 MBReassess your time, actions, and effort. Are you living in the most beneficial way to yourself and the people you care about? Such a simple concept, yet it's one we struggle to take the time to ponder. So listen. Then ponder. Then go live a better (than good enough) life. Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp Referenced in this episode: What the Dog Saw, Malcolm Gladwell
S3E8: The Drinking Episode
October 25, 2022 13:20 - 28 minutes - 32.1 MBTo drink, or not to drink -- that is the question Jen and Steve explore on this episode. Listen and laugh as they regale you with their own (limited) drinking experiences, and pause to ask yourself the question: why drink? Because, after all, not drinking is ... A TEETOTAL WIN! Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp Resources: TedX "Why Sobriety is a superpower for women" American Heart Association "Is drin...
S3E7: Welling the Hell out of Ourselves
October 18, 2022 19:11 - 34 minutes - 39.5 MBSometimes? Wellness isn't good for us. Jen and Steve chat about how the wellness industry is just waiting to pounce on our desire for control over our bodies and minds. So how can we embrace wellness without falling into the wellness industry's trap? Listen as they tackle this question and more. We want to be well, yes, but we don't want to well the hell out of ourselves. Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: Steve Knapp
S3E6: Learn a Hard Thing
October 11, 2022 00:38 - 33 minutes - 37.2 MBHow about instead of striving for a life of convenience, we strive for opportunities to learn -- even when it's hard? Or awkward... Or embarrassing... As high school teachers, Jen and Steve chat about how learning is for everyone, not just their students. Some hilarious stories are shared as they learn their way through their own lives. Hopefully, you'll learn a thing or three listening as well. Let's keep the conversation going! * Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk * Email: [email protected]...
S3E5: Consumer Complacency
October 04, 2022 19:11 - 29 minutes - 33.9 MBWhat do you consume in a day? You probably think about food and purchases, but what about consumption of time and information? Jen and Steve talk about the mindless consumer culture that is making us complacent and robotic, "stuck" in unhealthy lives. Listen to discover how to fight this consumer complacency. This episode might just be what you need to consume today. Article and Book References: Lessons From the Badass Muscular Neurologist Amusing Ourselves to Death Mindless Eating Your...
S3E4: Micromanaging Is Killing Us
September 20, 2022 13:30 - 34 minutes - 39 MBStaying alive -- it's important. And to that end, Jen and Steve banter about how being micromanaged, micromanaging others, and micromanaging ourselves lead to nothing but disaster. Join along in the laughs as they talk about life and death experiences, the importance of taking a poo without your phone, and, of course, Fat Albert. Let's keep the conversation going! Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk Email: [email protected] Facebook: Steve Knapp
S3E3: Mistaken Identity
September 11, 2022 15:13 - 28 minutes - 31.9 MBWho are you? But more importantly, how do you know who you are? Whether it is what you do, where you live, what you wear, your religion, or something else, it affects identity. But what happens if one or more of those things change? While trying to avoid identity crises, Jen and Steve explore the roots of identity and wonder if we've gotten all too comfortable putting ourselves and others into the boxes of personality tests, subjective definitions, and religion. So let's stop the constant ca...
S3E2: Progress, Success, and Other Lies
September 04, 2022 17:26 - 33 minutes - 37.4 MBWhen you’re late to the game, moving backwards, or hitting dead ends, how can that be seen as successful? And what if culturally defined success isn’t the end result at all? Can you make progress while not being successful? Jen and Steve tease through these questions, reminiscing about their marathon-running days, and realize that maybe progressing in life doesn’t have to be about success. Maybe there’s another way to be happy. Maybe it’s within our grasp right now. And maybe that's what suc...
S3E1: Passion Police!
September 01, 2022 14:25 - 29 minutes - 32.9 MBCall the passion police! There has been a crime of passion, and it is that we are not passionate enough -- in our jobs, in our hobbies, and in our lives. In this episode, Jen and Steve discuss the passion rhetoric that has infiltrated our entire philosophy of life and how it actually can be damaging. Who's to say we have to be passionate about our jobs? Who's to say we have to have a hobby that is our passion? If we are living life without a specific passion, perhaps we don't have to feel gu...
S2E14: Values Over Christianity
June 08, 2022 13:48 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MBHow do you define the core values of your family? Are they inherently Christian? Jen and Steve recently had a conversation with some inquisitive students that forced these into reality for them. Then, they asked themselves how well they were actually doing at modeling these values to their kids and being intentional to voice these values, too. Suffice to say, a lot of good can happen when you stop to have a conversation. Try it! Keep the conversation going! Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk ...
S2E13: The Error of Biblical Inerrancy
June 07, 2022 13:11 - 25 minutes - 29.9 MBThe human longing for perfection is real. It may even be a reason for which we seek God. Humanity's assertion of inerrancy in this world, however, dredges up one of the worst parts of us--a willing of hypocrisy for the sake of power. Jen and Steve wonder why Christians strive for an inerrant Bible even when it has inconsistencies within itself. Great stories can still be good and true even if the tiny details are blurry. Declaring that all the blurry details must be inerrant seems unnecessar...
S2E12: Seventy Times Seven: The Forgiveness Episode
May 16, 2022 19:42 - 29 minutes - 34 MBChristians are commanded by God to forgive. And yet, who benefits most from forgiveness in this life -- the forgiver or the forgiven? Jen and Steve share stories from their lives about forgiving people and the complications that can arise from those situations. Are there still consequences after forgiveness? Can there be forgiveness without an apology or contrition? Are we also commanded to forget? Join them in this conversation and journey, because like death and taxes, life is certain to p...
S2E11: We Like Big Bibles: The Christian Media Episode
May 08, 2022 02:56 - 24 minutes - 27.7 MBAh, Christian media -- the music, the movies, the books, the christian-fluencers. What's not to love? Or, as Jen and Steve discuss, what is there to love? Listen in as they laugh and discuss all things media. (BABY GOT BOOK!) Wanna join the conversation? We'd love to chat! Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk email: [email protected] Facebook: Steve Knapp
S2E10: Much Ado About Evil
May 01, 2022 13:30 - 25 minutes - 29.5 MBThere is a long-standing problem with an omnipotent, omniscient, morally perfect Creator and the existence of evil in this world. While bringing the discussion and theoretical solutions to the table, Jen and Steve offer approximately zero concrete solutions. Perhaps a shoulder shrug is all they have, but they remind everyone that attempting to ignore the problem does not make it any less of one. Can good cause evil? Can evil cause good? Without evil as an option, are we even free to choose? ...
S2E9: The Grief Episode
April 24, 2022 17:01 - 29 minutes - 33.4 MBWhat happens when we're grieving and none of the well-intentioned advice is helping? Join Jen and Steve as they tackle this question and share their own stories of grief. We might realize that sometimes, people just don't have the right things to say. We might also realize that, contrary to popular Christian belief, grief may not be a temporary state. And, lastly, we might realize that we simply don't have the answers. Perhaps we need to be more like Jesus: even when he knew the end, he sat ...
S2E8: Homosexuals in the Church! Homosexuals in the Church!
April 04, 2022 14:27 - 28 minutes - 32.2 MBQuick, judge them! Throw stones! Condemn! Or ... listen as Jen and Steve talk through some of the compelling points made by Matthew Vines in his book God and the Gay Christian to realize that the Bible does not actually condemn same sex relationships. Jen and Steve discuss how even if you believe homosexuality is a sin, what good comes from your judgment? "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." -- Matthew 7:19 Keep the conversation going! Instagram ...
S2E7: What Is Love? (and what's really up with the 5 love languages...)
March 14, 2022 22:56 - 34 minutes - 38.7 MBThe episode you didn't know you needed! Jen and Steve have candid conversations about what love is in their own relationship, what the five love languages are (and how they can be helpful and also detrimental), and the importance of communicating your needs (about dishwashers and weird smells). Laugh along to their awkwardness, and come away with some meaningful tid-bits to make your relationship better in bed -- except not the "in bed" part. Let's keep the conversation going: Instagram &...
S2E6: Down with the (Christian) Patriarchy!
February 28, 2022 18:14 - 30 minutes - 33.4 MBPatriarchy is nothing new. Christian patriarchy, however, is not that old. Jen and Steve dive into the historical and biblical contexts in which patriarchy (read complementarianism for a more euphemistic term) reared its ugly head in the evangelical Christian church. While most of the information is taken from Beth Allison Barr's book The Making of Biblical Womanhood, they also share their perspectives having grown up in relative ignorance of the subjugation of women. Yet, there is hope for ...
S2E6: Down With the (Christian) Patriarchy!
February 28, 2022 18:14 - 30 minutes - 33.4 MBPatriarchy is nothing new. Christian patriarchy, however, is not that old. Jen and Steve dive into the historical and biblical contexts in which patriarchy (read complementarianism for a more euphemistic term) reared its ugly head in the evangelical Christian church. While most of the information is taken from Beth Allison Barr's book The Making of Biblical Womanhood, they also share their perspectives having grown up in relative ignorance of the subjugation of women. Yet, there is hope for ...
S2E5: Sex Ed
February 13, 2022 13:55 - 37 minutes - 42 MBLet's talk about sex, baby! Jen and Steve chat about how sometimes Christians and non-Christians alike avoid or ignore the topic of sex education in their kids' lives and how harmful it is for everyone. Also avoided -- talking about sex in general with friends or even your partner! So Jen and Steve dive right in and discuss their own experiences with sex education growing up ("The waste line is the wait line") and what they hope for their own kids and all humans. They don't hold back, so buc...
S2E4: Abortion: Empathy Over Ideals
January 31, 2022 16:23 - 32 minutes - 37.1 MBOn this episode, Jen and Steve have the needed conversation about what it means to have an empathetic response to abortion. We chat about sex, birth control, miscarriage, and what the male responsibility should be in all of this. Overall, we want to emphasize empathy over ideals. Let's continue the conversation: email: [email protected] Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk Facebook: Steve Knapp Or let's meet for coffee in Quito!
S2E3: Rules -- What Are They Good For?
January 24, 2022 02:03 - 28 minutes - 31.6 MBBy what rules do you live? Where did you get them or how did you arrive at them? Jen and Steve talk about clear, absolute rules from the Bible and other aspects of life, wondering why people pick and choose which rules to follow at various times. Is it convenient to break the rules? Is it fun? Is it for a higher purpose? And why do some people allow themselves to become rule-following robots, beeping through life instead of living? Let's live. Not beep. Reach out to keep the conversations g...
S2E2: Misplaced Masculinity
January 16, 2022 20:38 - 33 minutes - 36.8 MBWhat does it take to be a Christian man? Does it even matter to have roles defined by gender within the Christian faith? Jen and Steve discuss Kristin Du Mez's book, Jesus and John Wayne, in conjunction with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. If nothing else, question the patriarchy that excuses harmful and unnecessary male behavior. Book Recs: Jesus and John Wayne, Kristin Du Mez; The Ninefold Path of Jesus, Mark Scandrette We'd love to hear from you! Instagram: @jknapp_jk Twitter: @jknapp_jk...
S2E1: A Great Awakening
January 07, 2022 18:01 - 24 minutes - 27.7 MBWhat does unconditional love mean? Is it even Biblical? Jen and Steve discuss how God's grace and love may be a one-size-fits-all sales pitch for the sake of conversion, but it sure doesn't seem like that for those already within the faith. Sprinkled with funny stories from their college days and dating, false advertising is put on notice. Get ready to laugh and cringe and reflect as you listen to this first episode of Season 2. We'd love to hear from you! Instagram: @jknapp_jk Twitter: @...
E14: The Reveal
November 21, 2021 11:00 - 33 minutes - 31.9 MBOn this final episode of the season, Jen and Steve reveal why they named themselves Red Weather Christians. Also, they talk about cheese, again, with a tip for your thanksgiving mac & cheese. Wanna read with Steve and Jen over the next few weeks? Here's what's on their to-read list: Jesus and John Wayne, by Kristin Kobes Du Mez God and the Gay Christian, by Matthew Vines The Making of Biblical Womanhood, by Beth Allison Barr Join the conversation: Instagram & Twitter: jknapp_jk email:...
E13: Dinner Table Topics
November 14, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 24.9 MBWhat is usually taboo at most dinner tables? Religion and politics. And that's exactly what we're talking about on this episode. Stare down your double standards and open up the conversation this Thanksgiving. Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/redweatherchristians/message email: [email protected] Instagram: jknapp_jk
E12: Money Talks, Part 2
November 07, 2021 12:12 - 35 minutes - 35.9 MBJen and Steve discuss why 2014 was a turning point for them financially. Think parable of the talents meets the FIRE movement meets having more expenses (read kids) and purposely making less money, and some savvy advice sprinkled into the mix. Be content with less money, but not less time. Get in touch with us: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/redweatherchristians/message email: [email protected] Instagram: jknapp_jk
E11: Money Talks, Part 1
October 31, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 31.2 MBMoney talks, and we're here for it! Jen and Steve lay bare their (sometimes embarrassing, but for only Jen of course) financial journey in the hopes that we can all feel a little more comfortable talking about money. So let's do it. Let's talk money. Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/redweatherchristians/message email: [email protected] Instagram: jknapp_jk
E10: God's Plan (God's Plan)
October 24, 2021 12:11 - 29 minutes - 27.8 MBPredestination versus free will -- it's the topic du jour. But regardless of what you believe or if you even have an opinion at all, one thing's clear: be a good human. Also included in this episode: serious musings on Dwight's Second Life. Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/redweatherchristians/message email: [email protected] Instagram: jknapp_jk
E09: Is Christianity Pro-Death?
October 17, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 25.7 MBWhat is the Christian church's stance on capital punishment? What does sanctity of life really mean? 108 countries have abolished the death penalty for all crimes. 8 more countries have abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes. 28 countries have, in practice, eliminated executions for at least the last 10 years. 55 other countries are considered Retentionist states in that their laws and practices continue to retain the right of capital punishment. What do China, Cuba, Afghanistan, N...
E08: Spiritual Factory Farm
October 10, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 33.4 MBIt seems dubious that something we do every day to survive is shuttered from the pulpit. Instead of being fed regurgitated or undigested ideas about food, Jen and Steve contend that we should be more mindful about our eating habits and how it affects God's "temple" and planet. References: In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker "Eating Mercifully": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-Va6F3iQFc Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/r...
E07: Church Shopping? Swipe Left.
October 03, 2021 12:21 - 26 minutes - 27.2 MBJen and Steve reminisce about their church-shopping daze and how, eventually, they had to settle. Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/redweatherchristians/message email: [email protected] Instagram: jknapp_jk
E06: Pantsuit Disillusionment
September 29, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 34.2 MBJen and Steve had high hopes for their first professional job out of college at a Christian school in Battle Creek, Michigan. What could possibly go wrong? Well, most everything. Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anchor.fm/redweatherchristians/message email: [email protected] Instagram: jknapp_jk
E05: Wanna Make the World Better? Doubt Heaven.
September 26, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 28.7 MBJen and Steve recycle some thoughts from their early marriage about defining God with finite terms. This turns into a discussion about how we need to help end hellish circumstances on this earth and create heavenly conditions now. Book Recommendations: Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, by Rob Bell Prayer: Forty Days of Practice, by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity, by Ronald J. Sider We Were Wrong: A...
E04: Change Versus a Static God
September 22, 2021 12:29 - 30 minutes - 31.4 MBHopefully you will hear a change in this episode as the sound quality has improved. In it, Jen and Steve (and Steve's gravelly long-COVID voice) grapple with the question, "Does God Change?" Discussion veers to the value of prayer and the infallibility of the Bible. They also talk about the Sodom and Gomorrah saga, and how it seems like God changes his mind in that story -- either that, or he sets up our lives like a Choose Your Own Adventure story, which is unsettling in its own right. Bo...
E03: Navigating the Missionary Position
September 19, 2021 21:53 - 29 minutes - 23.2 MBJen and Steve address how they call themselves missionaries, but that they don't necessarily feel like missionaries -- at least not in the traditional sense. They wrestle with reconciling what the word "missionary" means to probably most Christians and what the word means to them. They dabble in talks of beer pong and Shawshank Redemption among other things as well. Thanks for tuning in. (Starting next episode, you can look forward to better sound quality. Thank you for your patience as we f...
E02: Sometimes God Moves You. Literally.
September 16, 2021 18:18 - 22 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, Jen and Steve explain how they went from living a lovely life in Florida where they biked to work and church and the library to living in Quito, Ecuador, teaching at a Christian school. After their first Christian school experience in Michigan, they swore they would never work for a Christian school again. Now here they are. And in a different country where they get to struggle with the language barrier. Praise be. Join the conversation: leave a voice message: https://anch...