Church Daze

So we have come to the end of Season 3! We want to say a big thank you to our listeners for joining us each week as we discussed topics that can sometimes be difficult to have in our society. We are honored to have space where we can come together and be ourselves and keep it real. And in honor of keeping it real, join us as we wrap up season 3 with some of our favorite Bible stories and how they parallel with reality television.

On Church Daze, we aim to explore the intersections of faith and culture from a variety of perspectives. Particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, and when we talk about issues and experiences that we haven’t gone through personally, we try to make sure that we bring in someone who has those experiences. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we are honored to have Victoria Chavis, a member of the Lumbee Tribe. Victoria discusses her experiences as a Native American, how Western Christianity has treated people of Native decent, and what Western Christianity can learn from Indigenous worldviews. Guest bio: Victoria is a citizen of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and grew up in Robeson County, NC. She currently works as a higher education professional and is pursuing her doctorate degree in Higher Education, Opportunity, Equity, and Justice from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Some of her favorite bible verses are Deuteronomy 29:29, Jeremiah 17:9, and Romans 8:32

Book Review: This week we are discussing Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into The Life Of My Dreams written by Yvonne Orji. Orji a Nigerian-American Actress and Comedian. Best known for her role as Molly on the hit HBO series Insecure. Through her book, Yvonne takes her readers on a journey throughout life lessons she has learned by practicing her faith. Join us as we discuss Bamboozled and how living a life of vision, purpose, and service can lead you to living the life of your dreams. Scriptures referenced: Habakkuk 2:2 Resources: Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams,  First Gen trailer 

Salt-N-Pepa said, “Let’s Talk About Sex” so lets do that! Join us today as we discuss where we learned about sex, how this new term “purity culture” has affected us as women, why some church’s teachings have been abstinence only, and what the Bible says about sex! Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:16-18; 1 Samuel 18:1; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; 1 Corinthians 7:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Galatians 5:19-21; Song of Solomon 8:4 Resources: Deconstructing Purity Culture on IG, 5 Purity Culture Myths, The Love Hour Podcast - The Broken Promises of Purity Culture

Movie Review! Come Sunday is a drama film based on the true story of Bishop Carlton Pearson. The movie follows Bishop Pearson as he risks his church, family and future when he questions church doctrine after hearing God tell him salvation was for everyone. This new belief in Universal Reconciliation, cost Bishop Pearson his influence in ministry with the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops and was eventually declared a heretic by his peers. Join us as we share our thought’s on the Bishops new outlook, how he was treated by his congregation, his close friends and family post his enlightenment. Scriptures referenced: 1 John 2:1-1-2; I Timothy 4:9; I Corinthians 15:22; Romans 10:9

What is your understanding of what an evangelical is? Although, we were familiar with the term, we didn’t really have a good understanding of what it truly meant. So, we decided to dedicate this podcast to understanding the definition of Evangelicalism. Join us as we explore the history of Evangelical churches, people who identify as Evangelical, and the difference between Evangelicals and Mainline Protestants. Resources: What Is An Evangelical? (video), Buckets of Evangelicals (video), Defining Evangelical, Britannica--Evangelical Church, What Is An Evangelical Christian?, Are You An Evangelical? Are You Sure?, Evangelicals vs. Mainline Protestants, Did Donald Trump Make the Church Great Again?

Many of us are familiar with the landmark decision of the U.S Supreme Court Roe v. Wade, in which the court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. However, in the most recent election, both parties expressed promises that either supported or opposed a woman’s right to choose. Join us as we discuss how political agendas and church views have impacted freedom of choice. Scriptures referenced: Genesis 2:7; Exodus 20:13; Exodus 21:22-25; Jeremiah 1:5 Other resources: What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?; 'Life' According to the Bible and the Scientific Evidence; Why Won't Pro-Lifers Act Against America's Deadly Gun Culture?; Roe v. Wade; Understanding Why Women Seek Abortions in the U.S.; Abortion: How Do Trump and Biden's Policies Compare?; Biden's Budget Proposal Removes A Decades-Long Ban on Abortion Funding; Where Major Religious Groups Stand on Abortion

Have you had to allow for both faith and science lead you? Ever wondered how far science can take you before your faith has to take the wheel? Join us as we discuss some very important moments in history that helped mold Christian beliefs, and why there seems to be tension with between people who choose either faith OR science. Resources: The Enlightenment; Scopes Trial; Galileo Galilei; Reformation; The Reformation & Science; Christianity & Science; Religion Among Scientists in an International Context

Conspiracy Theories. How many have you heard? How many have you believed?  Lifeway Research says “belief in a conspiracy theory may be born out of good desire to understand the situation but dissolves into finding quickly digestible answers,” Think of it as “fast food for the mind.” Join us as we discuss the various conspiracy theories we have heard, and how conspiracy theories have impacted the church and why proving them wrong can be so challenging. Resources: Popular Conspiracy Theories; Christians, Conspiracy Theories & Credibility; How QAnon Conspiracy Theory Is Spreading in Christian Communities Across the U.S.; Christians Are Increasingly Falling Victim to Online Falsehoods; When It Comes to Conspiracy Theories, Is Christianity Part of the Problem or the Solution; We Can Reach Conspiracy Theorists for Christ; The Best Way to Fight A Conspiracy Theory; 

Have you ever wondered where does the money go after tithing at your church? Is it being used for outreach in the local community or sent to a a non profit organization that aids poverty stricken communities across the world? Or is it being used on lawyers and court settlements? Join us as we uncover approximately how much money the collective church brings in yearly and how that money has been allocated. Resources: Bible Verses About Money; Top 5 Reasons Churches Get Sued; Churches & Taxes-Pros & Cons; How Churches Really Spend Their Money; 

Guest Alert! On this weeks episode we had the pleasure of talking with two amazing women related to Jasmine, her mom MJ and sister Dionne. Join us as we discuss how faith, values, and grace has helped influence their parenting styles and how much parents really do understand. Scriptures referenced: Proverbs 22:6; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4; I John 2:15-16; Romans 12:1-2 Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

SZN 3 We are so excited to be back with you all! Starting off a new season is like stating a new year in school. Whether you attended public or private school growing up, the history of our education system is worth exploring. Join us as we discuss the role of Christianity in the American educational system, the link between segregation and Christian schools and what our own experiences with public and Christian Schools were. Resources/references: The American School: From the Puritans to the Trump Era by Joel Spring, Some Christian Schools Are Finally Grappling With Their Racist Past & Segregated Present, Voucher Schools Championed by Betsy Devos Can Teach Whatever They Want. Turns Out They Teach Lies.,  EXvangelicals #ExposeChristianSchools, Creating & Omitting History, Racism & the Evolution of Protestant Support for Private Education, Private Schools Curriculum Downplays Slavery Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Personality test can help you discover your thinking process, strengths, and possibly your over all character makeup. Join us for our final episode of Season 2 as we discuss our Myers Briggs, Enneagram and who we relate to the most in the Bible. Resources: What Biblical Character Are You?; Everyone Has A Biblical Character That Matches Their Personality; Which Bible Character Are You?; Which Bible Character Am I?; Enneagram Type Descriptions; The Enneagram According to Your Favorite Bible Characters; Which Bible Character Are You According to Your Enneagram? Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

If you listened to last week's episode you got to hear where we were this time last year. Join us on our part 2 episode as we discuss what has changed with the world around us, our views and our hopes for the future. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

It’s crazy to think 2020 was only a year ago. Besides COVID-19, we witnessed an on going wave of civil unrest in the United States. Through all of that, we remained hopeful In our political leaders as well as our church leaders to speak up and speak out against the wrong doing. Join us on the first of a two-part episode as we reflect on where we were this time last year and where we are post 2020. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Transition music by Wataboi on Pixabay Cover art by Emaejai

The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. However, places of worship have become under attack more frequently, which has resulted in the injury and death of many. Join us as we discuss how free we really are to practice our religion in a country who made sure to make it our first Amendment right. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Christian privilege is a social advantage that is bestowed upon Christians in any historically Christian society. In the United States, Christianity is considered the principle religion of the vast majority of citizens. Join us as we discuss the history of Christianity in American politics, the benefits Christians enjoy, and the different denominations within Christianity. Featuring special guest, Caroline. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Join us this week as we examine the five part Netflix docu-series “The Family”. A book which was originally written by Investigative Journalist Jeff Sharlet, explores how powerful religious influence can be, and how political leaders have used Jesus to push their own agenda. Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

Loyalty: The ability to remain committed to a cause and/or person regardless of the circumstances. As believers, should we be loyal to a church? Or is church hopping acceptable? Join us as we discuss what causes believers to change church’s and what to consider before leaving a church. Other resources: Choosing a New Church or House of Worship via Pew Forum, 7 Bad Reasons to Leave Your Church via Christianity Today, 8 Principles to Consider Before Leaving a Church You (Used to) Love via Christianity Today, Search #LeaveLoud on Twitter Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai

The Bible, which contains the Old and New Testament is said to be about 2,700 years old. It has been translated into over 700 languages and comes in a variety of translations ranging from the King James Version to the New Living Translation. In a world, were many people struggle with understanding how the Bible can be relevant to their daily lives, join the three of us as we talk about why it’s ok to struggle with the Bible and how important it is to keep the faith and to ask God to reveal what is meant for you. Scriptures referenced: Mark 9:45; Mark 9:47; Matthew 26:26-28 Other resources: Biblical literalism via Wikipedia, Four Common Struggles of New Believers Intro music by noahmakesmusic Cover art by Emaejai